Lawrence council sets FY2026 residential tax factor at 1.75 after assessor presentation
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Summary
After a presentation by the chief assessor showing a 7% rise in taxable valuation and $1.8M certified new growth, the council adopted a residential factor of 1.75 to reduce the burden on homeowners; officials noted the city retains sizable excess levy capacity.
The Lawrence City Council voted Nov. 18 to set the FY2026 residential tax factor at 1.75, a shift the assessor’s office said will moderate the impact of rising property valuations on owner‑occupied single‑family homeowners.
Chief Assessor (presented remotely) explained the city’s total taxable valuation rose from about $8.4 billion to $8.9 billion (roughly 7%) and certified new growth was $1.8 million. Using state procedures and calendar‑year 2024 sales, the assessor presented multiple factor scenarios and their estimated effects on average tax bills. At a factor of 1.75, the assessor estimated the average single‑family tax bill would increase by about $151 (roughly 3.8–4%), while commercial and industrial classes would see proportionate shifts under TIF agreements and new growth adjustments.
Councilor Mark LaPlante moved adoption of the 1.75 factor (SEG 2211) and argued it provided tax relief for residents. Other councilors raised fiscal tradeoffs and noted the city’s excess levy capacity (approximately $13.7 million in the assessor’s presentation) that limits immediate need to raise rates. The motion passed by council vote and the assessor will complete and submit the tax recap to the state for certification so third‑quarter bills can be issued on schedule.