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Assessors present FY2025 tax classification; Select Board votes to maintain single rate
Summary
After a presentation of the FY2025 levy and assessed values, the Board of Assessors recommended a single tax rate to avoid shifting burden onto commercial and farming properties; the Select Board voted to set the residential factor at 1 and maintain a single rate pending Department of Revenue finalization.
The Board of Assessors presented their fiscal year 2025 tax classification report to the Blackstone Select Board on Nov. 26, outlining proposed levy amounts, assessed valuation changes and options for a single or split tax rate.
Assessors reported a proposed FY2025 property tax levy of $23,442,354.88 and noted year‑over‑year valuation growth and $604,238 in new growth revenue. The assessors explained the mechanics of the levy limit under Massachusetts' Proposition 2½ and how a shift to a split rate would move more of the town’s tax burden onto commercial, industrial and personal property (CIP), which assessors said could harm small businesses and farms. The assessors recommended retaining a single tax rate for FY2025 to limit the impact on CIP classes.
After questions from board members about data corrections, the public field card publication process and anticipated timelines for database updates, a motion was made under Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 40, §56, as amended) to set the residential factor at 1 and adopt the corresponding CIP shift (pending DOR approval of the town’s annual tax recap). The motion was seconded and recorded on the public record as approved unanimously by the board.
The assessor's office said it will publish property field cards through the town's mapping service and continue outreach so residents can review valuations and file abatements if needed.
