The Marion Board of Selectmen (BOS) agreed to retain the Single Tax Rate classification for the town for fiscal year 2012, bucking the trend of SouthCoast towns that have voted for a split tax rate between residential and commercial property.
The BOS heard from the Board of Assessors, who presented a detailed estimate of how a “split” tax rate would have played out, if adopted. The burden, on a random sample of three town businesses, showed a major difference in tax revenue, with a local boat yard, a food store and a manufacturer carrying a substantial burden if a split tax rate between commercial and residential were adopted.
“We all know that if that happened, the consumer would pay the difference, in passing along those costs,” said Selectman Steven Cushing.
Ray Pickles, speaking for the Board of Assessors, said that the board had done extensive research on the impact of a split rate and agreed that a town of Marions’ size didn’t warrant it.
“The residential sector uses most of the town’s services… the schools, roads, library, fire and police… that’s where the tax dollars go,” said Selectman Jonathan Henry, agreeing to a single tax rate.
In 2012, Marion will have an approximate tax rate of $9.62 per $1000 of property value representing a slight increase from the $9.40 rate of 2011. According to Pat DeCosta, Town Assessor, the average increase per taxpayer would be in the area of $100, which is based on the medium home value of $ 450,000. In the discussion, Ms. DeCosta said that, in general, waterfront property in Marion sold approximately 3 percent above assessed value while other properties were selling slightly below assessed value.
“As a whole, town properties sold are down about 1 percent, which isn’t significant (to the tax base),” said Ms. DeCosta.
The Board also discussed correspondence from Thomas Stemberg regarding an Appeal of Base Flood Elevations for Property located at 112-1114 Point Road and Surrounding Area. The board reviewed the correspondence and said that they were given the information so that the town was aware of the appeal which would play out in state court.
The last issue was a Notice from the Town of Rochester regarding a public hearing to be held on December 5 by the Rochester Board of Selectmen on the petition of Used Tire Warehouse, Inc., a Massachusetts Corporation doing business as Bob’s Tire at 35 County Road, who is applying for a Class III license. The Board discussed the issue but took no action. Town Administrator, Paul Dawson, said that all towns bordering Rochester needed to be notified of the public hearing. The board agreed that the town of Rochester and their residents were the ones to address the issues in the case.
By Joan Hartnett-Barry