HALIFAX - September 9 - The Halifax Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to maintain a single property tax rate for fiscal year 2026, rejecting a proposal that would have shifted additional tax burden to commercial and industrial properties. The decision keeps residential and business properties taxed at the same estimated rate of $14.09 per thousand dollars of assessed value.
The Full Story
During the annual tax classification hearing, Principal Assessor Debbie Dean presented the board with options for setting property tax rates across five classes: residential, open space, commercial, industrial, and personal property. Dean recommended maintaining the current single-rate system, noting that Halifax has less than 10% commercial, industrial, and personal property.
Under state law, municipalities can shift up to 150% of the tax burden to commercial properties. Had Halifax chosen this option, residential properties would pay $13.41 per thousand in assessed value, while commercial and industrial properties would face a rate of $21.13 per thousand – a 57% increase over the single rate.
"I don't think Halifax should split the tax rate," said Board Chairman Jonathan Selig, explaining his opposition to the higher commercial rate. "We have a lot of mom-and-pops in this town that struggle to get by just like the residents. And I feel like if we hit them with a 21% tax, I think we're in fear of losing a lot of them."
The average single-family home assessment in Halifax is $532,178, resulting in an annual tax bill of $7,498.39 under the single rate – an increase of 2.74% from the previous year. Dean attributed the increases to a 4% rise in property values, noting that people continue to overpay for houses in the current market.
The board also rejected three optional exemptions: an open space discount for undeveloped land, a residential exemption benefiting primary homeowners, and a small commercial exemption. Dean noted that Halifax has only 50 second homes and 5.2% commercial property, making these exemptions inappropriate for the community's demographics.
In other business, the board addressed library staffing concerns as two employees consider retirement. Library Director Dylan Benoit presented impressive usage statistics, including 17,638 items checked out by Halifax residents, saving them $355,175.47 in purchasing costs. The library also ranks 35th statewide in e-book usage, with 875 digital checkouts in August alone.
Benoit warned that losing additional staff could threaten the library's state accreditation, which would cut Halifax residents' access to the entire Massachusetts library network. "Citizens of Halifax wouldn't be able to use any library in the state of Massachusetts," Benoit explained, referencing similar losses of accreditation in Bridgewater and Dudley.
The board indicated support for filling the positions if retirements occur, though noted that all town departments will face budget scrutiny in the coming year. The retiring employees have offered to return part-time at lower pay grades without benefits if necessary to maintain library operations.
Parks Commissioner Mike Schleiff received approval to use town vehicles for official duties after demonstrating the wear and tear on his personal truck from hauling heavy equipment like swimming area buoys and cleaning up substantial amounts of beach trash. The approval is contingent on proper insurance coverage.
Cemetery Superintendent Steve Hayward also received approval for price increases in the cremation garden, though the increases primarily affect non-residents. Resident prices remain largely unchanged, with single niches costing $850 complete for Halifax residents.
Why It Matters
The single tax rate decision directly impacts every property owner in Halifax by maintaining equitable treatment between residential and commercial properties. For homeowners, this means avoiding the complexity of a split system while ensuring local businesses aren't driven away by punitive tax rates that could reduce commercial development and ultimately increase the residential tax burden.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Establish residential factor of 1 and not adopt split tax rate for fiscal year 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 8:58)
Motion: Not adopt open space discount for fiscal year 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 9:22)
Motion: Not adopt residential exemption for fiscal year 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 9:22)
Motion: Not adopt small commercial exemption for fiscal year 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 9:23)
Motion: Approve cremation garden price increases effective September 10, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 16:25)
Motion: Allow Parks Commissioners to use town vehicles for town operations pending insurance indemnification. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 2-0. (Timestamp: 37:02)
Public Comment
No public comments were made during the tax classification hearing, though the hearing was properly opened and closed for public input.
What's Next
The town will finalize the fiscal year 2026 tax rate once all budget components are determined. Library trustees will monitor potential retirements and may need to return for position approvals. Parks Commissioner will coordinate with town insurance before using municipal vehicles.
Full meeting available via Area 58 Community Access Channel.