SOUTHWICK – The Select Board had their annual public hearing with the Board of Assessors on Tuesday night for the Fiscal Year 2019 tax rate in Southwick.
Select Board members have a public hearing with the Board of Assessors on the town’s tax rate. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
The two parties agreed unanimously to maintain a single tax rate encompassing residential, commercial, and industrial classifications. For FY 2018, Southwick’s tax rate is $17.73
Al Hoyt and Paul Connolly of the Board of Assessors agreed that having a split tax rate would create a burden on the community. Citing U.S. Census Bureau data reported in May 2018, the Southwick Economic Development Commission states the population in Southwick is 9,758 people and the EDC noted that there are over 400 businesses in town.
During the public hearing with the Select Board, Connolly also pointed out that 84% of taxes in town is for residential use, 5% for commercial use, 2% for industrial, and 4% for personal use.
Select Board Vice-Chairman Russ Fox has mentioned that the Southwick has always had a singular tax rate.
