Our town of about 18,500 is a wonderful, above-average community with new schools and a great, convenient location for people and businesses. Our 
residential tax rate is the same for businesses as homeowners. This results in 40% of our tax revenues now coming from businesses -- the high
est of any moderate sized town in the state. But it once was 60%!
Ironically, however, our average home taxes are now over $7,400 per year -- 60% higher than the state average -- in spite of the fact that we've never voted a general Prop 2 1/2 tax increase override. The reason our taxes are so high is because our public officials have not controlled spending (primarily for exploding pay and benefits for public union employees).
The reason we pay over $7,400 in property taxes each year even without overriding Prop 2 1/2 is because the "tax levy limit" was set in 1982 when we had a huge business base here that has since declined significantly. The Prop 2 1/2 regulation allows tax increases of 2 1/2% higher each year from that 1982 levy limit base plus the value of any "new growth;" and the tax levy limit never goes down except for a voted "tax underride." So unless our spending is controlled to less than what Prop 2 1/2 allows, I project our taxes will be TWICE the state average in about 9 years which will mean our community will certainly not be affordable for hundreds of life-long residents.
On this website you will find information about Westborough's income and spending trends. Plus articles affecting your taxes, your schools, your pocketbooks, and your freedoms.
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