Fitchburg OKs single-tax rate

FITCHBURG - In an 8-2 vote Tuesday night, the City Council adopted a single tax rate.

Fitchburg Assessor Christopher J. Paquette said the average single-family home assessed at $212,470 will pay an additional $194.52 annually in real estate taxes.

Approximately 78.2% of the city's real estate tax comes from residential, while the rest comes from commercial, industrial and personal property, Paquette said.

This year, the city raised $55.6 million in property taxes, up from $53.7 million last year, Paquette said.

The residential tax rate is $20.49 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, while the commercial rate is $22.09. The new single rate will be $19.71, effective Jan. 1, subject to approval of the state Department of Revenue.

Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, spoke in favor of lowering the tax classification shift in order to create a more favorable commercial tax rate and competitive economic climate.

Christopher McDermott, public affairs manager of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, also spoke in favor of lowering the tax classification shift in order to support local businesses.

At the special meeting, Councilors Paul Beauchemin and Samantha Squailia voted against the single tax rate.