Average Single-Family Tax Bill Will Increase By $270

The Board of Aldermen decided to stay with the current tax shift, resulting in a 3.26 percent increase to the average single-family tax bill.

Despite a healthy debate from several board members, the Board of Aldermen last night decided to stay with the tax shift they have used since 2005, resulting in an approximate $270 increase to the average single-family tax bill. (For an explanation of the meaning of "tax shift," click here and scroll down to "the shift.") According to a report issued by the assessor's office, the average commercial property tax bill would increase by roughly $2,070, with the median commercial property bills going up by roughly $675. The shift, which was set at 175 percent, determines how much of the annual tax levy the commercial, personal, industrial and residential property owners are responsible for.  With the shift voted in last night, the fiscal 2011 …

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What's Happening

Five Things You Need to Know Today: Nov. 1

Tax rate classification hearing will be held at 7 p.m. in Newton City Hall.

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section.

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How Newton Sets its Tax Rate

An explanation for those looking for more by Proposition 2 1/2, property values and the related taxes.

The tax money collected in the city of Newton to fund municipal services and salaries is paid based on property value, according to the city assessor's office.     When calculating taxes for a new year, the city looks at its tax rate as one sum, and starts by considering its prior year's tax rate. In 2010, Newton raised $233,388,825 in property taxes. Prop 2 1/2 Newton, like all cities and towns in Massachusetts, is bound by Proposition 2 ½, a state law passed in 1980 that limits the total amount of taxes municipalities can demand. Prop 2 ½ has two main provisions: Therefore, in Newton, the city can only raise its tax levy on existing property by $5,834,721 in 2011.   The law's limits apply even when the city's overall property value …

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