Lanesborough Tax Rate Up 3%
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Select Board has adopted a single tax rate that will increase the average homeowner's annual bill by about $350.
With a rate of $17.29 per $1,000 valuation, the average single-family home (valued at nearly $351,000) will see a $350 increase, and the average commercial property (valued over $543,000) will increase by $438 per year. This rate is 56 cents higher than last year's $16.73 per $1,000 valuation; the average residential tax bill has risen $700 in the past two years.
"Historically, as part of their annual budget policy, the Select Board and Finance Committee have endorsed a single tax rate option, providing no exemption or discount to a particular class of property or group," Principal Assessor Ross Vivori explained during Monday's regular meeting.
"Voting a residential factor of one affirms a single tax rate and proportionate share of the tax levy between all classes of property."
The town's total taxable value is $611,239,142: about $511 million in the residential class, $49 million in the commercial class, $8 million in the industrial class, and $43 million in personal property. It is more than three percent higher than the previous year.
For fiscal year 2026, the maximum allowable levy is $11,934,891, and the town is levying $10,568,324, leaving an excess levy capacity of $1,366,567. There was more than $5 million in new growth, with more than $4 million from the residential class.
There was a round of applause from the audience after the single rate was endorsed, as several business owners attended the meeting to support it.
Barbara Davis-Hassan, owner of Barb Hassan Realty, said when a town increases the commercial tax rate, it discourages new businesses from going there, and it makes existing ones think twice about expanding or even staying. She warned that a split rate would mean a steep increase for businesses and modest savings for homeowners.
"Neighboring communities that keep single rates often become the more attractive option," she said. "Over time, that means fewer jobs, more vacant properties, and slower economic growth, none of which benefits our residents."
Davis-Hassan added that maintaining a single rate sends the message that Lanesborough values its residents and businesses equally, and "a strong, balanced economy benefits everyone and is the best way to keep taxes fair and stable for the long run."
Paula Messana, owner of Inspired Creations, said there has been construction on the road near her North Main Street business for most of the time it's been open, cutting back on revenue.
"We're going to go into another year, because they're still not finished, and to increase the tax rate is pretty much going to put a lot of us, I'm sure, out of business or struggle to stay alive," she said.
"I agree 100 percent with Barb. In the long term, it's only a small amount. You're going to lose funding for the town because a lot of us will fold and no longer be here."
The Select Board also heard from seasonal businesses Baker's Golf and the Mounr Greylock Campsite Park, who asked that additional financial stresses not be put on them. Patricia Hubbard pointed out that the people who stay at her campsite park also dine and shop at other local businesses.
"It's not just the economic development that we ourselves gain, but it's what us in Lanesborough gain as well," she said.
"So please, please do not hurt the small businesses in this community. You need us, and we need you."
Chair Deborah Maynard reported that a split tax rate would increase the commercial rate by about $6 per $1,000 and would affect personal property tax on second homeowners. She thanked the Finance Committee for its work before the board unanimously voted to keep the single rate.
Tags: fiscal 2026, property taxes, tax classification,
