SAUGUS — Although the town’s tax rate per $1,000 is going down slightly, the average single-family tax bill will increase by an estimated $345 next year, according to figures presented at Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen’s Meeting.
Acting Deputy Assessor Ron Keohane told the selectmen that the residential rate was to be $12.01 per $1,000 in fiscal year 2022 — 33 cents less than the current year. The commercial rate is $24.87, down 87 cents.
However, according to the town, the average assessed value of residential property in the coming year has been estimated at $509,307 — up from $467,753. That places the average residential property tax bill for FY22 at $6,117, up from $5,772, which represents the average $345 increase.
The first question after Keohane’s presentation, by Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta, was how does the town factor in the development of so many apartment complexes in the town.
“This isn’t just happening in Saugus, but everywhere,” said Keohane. “Within the Route 128 belt, communities are seeing this everywhere.”
Said Town Manager Scott Crabtree, “valuations have increased based on (home) sales. And the total levy can only increase by 2 ½ percent.”
Crabtree went on to say that “Saugus is a great bargain for the community we are.
“Our tax rate for single-family homes is lower than surrounding communities.
“Saugus is, without question, the biggest bang for your buck,” added Keohane.
Not only that, said Keohane, but exemptions for taxpayers such as veterans and senior citizens have doubled in comparison to other communities.
By way of comparison, Crabtree gave a rundown of other tax bills surrounding Saugus, with Melrose and Wakefield paying more than $7,000, Reading and Lynnfield more than $9,000, and Saugus the lowest at $5,772.
Keohane said that all valuations are based on home sales from the year 2020. Panetta said that anyone who wishes can go onto the Board of Assessors’ website and see their homes and their values listed.
