Westfield Assessor Robin Johnson answers questions at 2019 public hearing on tax shift. (AMY PORTER/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
WESTFIELD – The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has given the City of Westfield preliminary certification for the Fiscal Year 2021 Revaluation.
City Assessor Robin Johnson said that revaluations are conducted every five years and this year the values were based on 2019 sale prices, which show a 5% increase in residential property values. She said business property values did not go up, as the city has not seen any sales of businesses.
“If you look at the market, the houses are selling like crazy. A $180,000 house is selling for $240,000, because there is not a lot of stock out there,” Johnson said, adding that 2020 sales are even higher.
The proposed values can be viewed on the city’s website at cityofwestfield.org, by clicking on “Departments,” and choosing the “Assessors” webpage. Property owners may also contact the Assessor’s office at 572-6223.
Johnson said the increased values are good for the homeowners, apart from potential tax impact, because they want their homes to appreciate in value. She said tax rates are a separate discussion and are determined by the City Council.
A public hearing on the tax shift has been scheduled for Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. followed by a Special City Council meeting to vote on the 2021 Tax Rate.
The tax shift is the percentage of the local tax levy on residential and business properties. At the hearing, Johnson and the Board of Assessors will provide the information and data relevant to making the determination for Fiscal Year 2021 and the fiscal effect of available alternatives.
Last year, several dozen residents attended the public hearing on the tax shift in City Council chambers, after which the City Council ultimately voted to keep the tax shift the same as the previous year at 1.66.
This year, residents may participate in a virtual public hearing on Zoom by calling 1-646-558-8656, ID 859 2047 3514, passcode 99662475.
