ABINGTON - November 10 - The Abington Select Board voted unanimously Monday to maintain the town’s single tax rate for fiscal year 2026, setting the new rate at $12.80 per thousand dollars of valuation—down 26 cents from last year. The decision came after Deputy Assessor Jolanta Briffett presented data showing that shifting more tax burden to commercial properties would save residential taxpayers less than 6% while increasing business taxes by 50%.
The Full Story
Monday evening’s annual classification hearing centered on whether Abington should maintain its single tax rate or adopt a split rate that would increase taxes on commercial and industrial properties while lowering residential bills.
Assessor Briffett’s presentation revealed why a split rate offers little benefit: residential properties comprise 89.5% of Abington’s tax base, while commercial properties account for just 7.68%. Industrial properties represent 0.95% and personal property 1.86%.
“Since there are so few C&I parcels, a shift offers minimal benefit to the residential properties,” Briffett told the board. Even at the maximum allowable shift, residential taxpayers would save less than 6% while commercial properties would see bills jump 50%.
The town’s property mix has shifted dramatically over two decades. Between 2003 and 2025, Abington added 583 residential parcels but lost 16 commercial and industrial parcels, largely due to SouthField (Union Point) land becoming tax-exempt.
Rising property values continue to drive tax bills higher despite the lower rate. The average single-family home is now valued at $588,990, up $12,803 from last year. Under the new rate, average residential taxes will be $7,527. Sixty percent of single-family homes are valued at or below the average, and only 87 homes—2.26% of the total—exceed $1 million.
Commercial properties showed steeper increases. The average commercial property is valued at $1,283,430, up $166,904, resulting in a tax bill of $16,427. However, 65% of commercial properties fall under $1 million, the threshold the state considers “small business.”
Six of Abington’s ten highest-valued properties are apartment complexes taxed at the residential rate, including 212 Bedford Street ($52 million), 303 Summer Street ($35 million), and 121 Randolph Street ($22 million). The top commercial properties include Cape Cod Lumber, Walmart, Lowe’s, and Target.
Briffett raised concerns about tax equity, noting that only 22% of Abington businesses are owned by residents. “The registered voters of Abington vote to approve the budget levy. This means that more than three quarters of the business owners in town have absolutely no say in how their tax dollars are spent,” she said. Business owners also cannot vote on debt exclusions that directly affect their taxes.
The town carries debt for the new middle-high school, police station, senior center purchase, and high school windows and doors. Debt for the fire station, DPW complex, and South Shore Vocational Technical School override has not yet been added to fiscal 2026.
Briffett explained the mechanics of property taxation under Proposition 2½, which limits the town’s overall tax levy to 2.5% annual growth, though debt can push rates higher. The law does not cap how much individual property taxes can change based on valuation adjustments.
Property values are determined by analyzing the previous calendar year’s sales—fiscal 2026 values reflect calendar 2024 sales—and must be certified by the Department of Revenue. The assessor’s office visits every property at least once every nine years, with additional inspections triggered by building permits, sales, or random selection.
Several tax exemption programs exist for qualifying residents, including disabled veterans with 10% or higher disability ratings, widows, residents over 70, and blind individuals. Each program has specific eligibility requirements.
The board voted unanimously to maintain the single rate structure after brief deliberation.
In other business, Veterans Agent Adam Gunn announced that 46 Hero Banners honoring local veterans will be installed between Wednesday and Thanksgiving. Twenty-five additional slots remain available at $300 per banner, with optional $50 keepsake versions. Applications beyond the 25 remaining slots will be scheduled for November 2027 installation.
The town’s annual Veterans Celebration is set for Wednesday, November 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Council on Aging. The event features a 40-table resource fair, a meal prepared by South Shore Technical students, raffle prizes, and middle school student readings.
The board approved several routine matters: transferring the Submarine Galley common victualler license at 74 Brockton Avenue from Robert Wing to Nathan Wing; appointing Ian Smith to the Abington Cultural Council; and approving October 27 meeting minutes.
A public hearing addressed Massachusetts Electric (National Grid) and Verizon New England’s request to relocate utility poles on Chestnut Street. The project involves installing two new poles, removing four poles, and relocating three poles along 580 feet of roadway beginning approximately 530 feet west of Jeffrey A. Phipps Way. Board members suggested the work may relate to upcoming rotary construction. The request was approved after reviewing site plans.
The board also approved transferring a Class 2 used car dealer license from MassAutoWorld, Inc. to High Motors at 1420 Bedford Street. Manager Syed Hussain outlined plans for the dealership. Town Administrator Scott Lambiase confirmed no inspector objections.
Board Chair Roger Woods reminded residents about the special election for an open Select Board seat on Saturday, November 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why It Matters
The decision to maintain Abington’s single tax rate affects every property owner in town. For the average homeowner with a property valued at $588,990, the new rate means an annual tax bill of approximately $7,527. While the 26-cent rate decrease provides modest relief, rising property values continue pushing bills higher. The board’s rejection of a split rate protects small businesses from significant tax increases while acknowledging that such a shift would provide minimal savings—less than 6%—for homeowners. With 65% of commercial properties valued under $1 million and classified as small businesses, a rate shift could have deterred development and driven existing businesses from town.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve transfer of Submarine Galley Common Victualler License at 74 Brockton Avenue from Robert Wing to Nathan Wing. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:03:24)
Motion: Approve appointment of Ian Smith to the Abington Cultural Council. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:03:46)
Motion: Approve minutes from October 27, 2025 meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:03:59)
Motion: Approve fiscal year 2026 single tax rate of $12.80 per thousand dollars of valuation. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:20:31)
Motion: Approve pole location request by Massachusetts Electric (National Grid) and Verizon New England for Chestnut Street. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:27:17)
Motion: Approve transfer of Class 2 used car dealer license from MassAutoWorld, Inc. to High Motors at 1420 Bedford Street. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:28:09)
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:28:55)
Public Comment
No public comment was offered during the meeting. The board opened the floor for comment during the classification hearing, but no residents spoke.
What’s Next
The fiscal year 2026 tax rate of $12.80 per thousand dollars of valuation takes effect immediately. Tax bills will reflect the new rate. The Veterans Celebration will be held Wednesday, November 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Council on Aging. Hero Banner installations begin Wednesday and continue through Thanksgiving. The special election for an open Select Board seat takes place Saturday, November 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.