PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has passed a 2.64 percent tax rate increase that will add about $145 to the average yearly home bill. 

On Tuesday, the council unanimously approved a residential tax rate of $17.88 and a commercial, industrial, and personal property tax rate of $37.95. This uses a residential factor of 0.8245 at a shift of 1.75. 

The average residential home, valued at $316,792 in FY27, has increased by about $1,500 from the previous fiscal year, and would pay $5,664.24 in yearly taxes. This is a 2.64 percent, or $145.88, increase.

The average commercial property worth $239,600 saw a $100 increase in value from the previous fiscal year, and would pay $9,092.82 in yearly taxes. This is a $255.27, or 2.89 percent, increase from the previous fiscal year.

Councilors pointed out that the tax rate funds the budget, which is set in June, and noted the importance of hearing from constituents during budget season. The national state of the economy was also a topic of discussion. 

Councilor at Large Kathleen Amuso said this is always the worst meeting of the year for her. 

"Every single household, probably, in the United States is paying more for everything. Everything," she said, explaining that there would have to be a significant decrease in the city budget to see any savings in the tax rate. 

"…I think we're trying to be conscientious with what we're spending and how we're spending it, but we are sitting here today. We have to pay for a budget, and it has to be done. It doesn't make it easy. It doesn't feel good, but we have to pay for what we already approved."