Charlton Select Board adopts single tax rate, rejects multiple exemptions

The Charlton Select Board voted Nov. 18 to adopt a single tax rate (a factor of 1), with the town assessor presenting an estimated rate of $10.94 per $1,000 of assessed value pending final approval by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

Town assessor Stanley told the board that valuation shifted materially this year, with commercial, industrial and personal property making up roughly 36.5% of total valuation and residential about 63.5%, a notable shift from about an 80/20 split five years ago. “If we adopt the factor of 1 for a single rate, then that would be $10.94 pending approval by the Department of Revenue,” Stanley said.

After adopting the single rate, the board voted to reject three optional adjustments the assessors had asked them to consider: the small commercial exemption, the residential exemption and an additional open‑space discount. The assessor explained the small commercial exemption takes time to implement and applies only in a limited number of communities; the board voted 'no' on that exemption. The board also voted against a residential exemption (typically used in higher‑rent or vacation communities) and against an additional open‑space discount, noting the town already manages Chapter 61/61A/61B enrollments.

Board members discussed the practical next steps: DOR approval of the rate, online publication of supporting information, and outreach for taxpayers with questions. The chair noted the materials are available on the town website.

The action closes the local decision on classification for fiscal 2026 pending the Department of Revenue’s formal sign‑off; no additional adjustments to the tax classification were made at the meeting.