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Otis Selectboard adopts single tax rate for FY2026; average single‑family bill projected to rise about 3%
Summary
The Selectboard voted 3-0 to set a single tax rate for FY2026 after a presentation by the Board of Assessors showing a projected levy of $6,226,436 and an estimated FY2026 rate of $5.96 per $1,000; the change is subject to Department of Revenue review.
The Otis Selectboard voted unanimously on Nov. 25 to adopt a single property tax rate for fiscal year 2026 following a presentation from the Board of Assessors.
B.J. O’Brien, chair of the Board of Assessors, presented the LA‑4/LA‑5 materials showing a projected tax levy of $6,226,436 for FY2026 and a FY2026 estimated rate of $5.96 per $1,000 of assessed value. The packet described the town’s levy limit under Proposition 2½, calculated new growth of $29,632 and an excess levy capacity of approximately $215,604.
The assessors recommended a single tax rate to be applied across property classes. Using the numbers in the packet, the average single‑family tax bill is projected to increase by roughly 3%, from about $3,261.21 to an estimated $3,365.06, though individual bills will vary by property.
Selectboard member Terry Gould moved the motion to adopt a residential factor of 1.0 (a uniform rate), which Larry Southard seconded. The motion carried 3‑0. The action is pending final approval of the town’s annual tax recap by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, per the LA‑5 filing process outlined in Chapter 40, Section 56 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
The board noted that the FY2026 tax rate is an estimate and may change slightly upon DOR review.
