Property Tax Rate Classification

At a glance

• What: The annual hearing under MGL c. 40, section 56 on how the local tax levy is shared among classes of property for fiscal year 2027.
• Decision (August 24): 5-0 to keep a residential factor of 1 (same rate for all classes), not adopt a split tax rate, keep the 35 percent residential exemption, not adopt a small business exemption, and identify $64,805.27 in unused levy capacity.
• Contention: Seven speakers asked the Board to keep the exemption at 35 percent.

Detail

Chief Assessor Fahle and Deputy Assessor Bergen presented the Board of Assessors' recommendations. Motion by Sandberg, second Golden, vote 5-0.

Speakers

• Pat Miller, speaking for the PPRTA, asked to keep 35 percent.
• Falen, a retired teacher and coach who moved to town when it was far cheaper, said steadily rising taxes have strained her retirement plans.
• Vance, a non-resident taxpayer, asked that 35 percent not increase and, if an increase is ever planned, that the Town look at household circumstances.
• Rood thanked the Assessing Department.
• Hiffernan, a relatively new resident from Iowa who opened a small business, spoke.
• Sellaway, a short-term rental owner, said rising taxes and insurance have him considering not renting.
• Lux said that after buying her home many years ago the rising tax rate has become a strain.

Data gaps

• The minutes do not record the resulting tax rates. On September 14 the Clerk asked that the minutes of this hearing be expanded with more detail on residents' comments, so the record may be revised.

Sources

• Select Board minutes, August 24, 2026 (regular): https://www.provincetown-ma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=35208
• Select Board minutes, September 14, 2026 (regular): https://www.provincetown-ma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=35206

Log

2026-08-24 - Select Board

Adopted the classification votes 5-0: residential factor 1, no split rate, 35 percent residential exemption, no small business exemption, $64,805.27 unused levy capacity.