HANSON - November 18 - The Hanson Select Board voted unanimously on November 18, 2025, to maintain a uniform tax rate across residential and commercial properties for the upcoming fiscal year, rejecting a split rate that would have placed additional burden on the town’s small business sector. The decision, supported by the Board of Assessors, reflects Hanson’s ongoing effort to attract and retain commercial enterprises while maintaining stable property taxes for residents.
The Full Story
Town Assessor Denice Alexander presented the Fiscal Year 2026 Classification Hearing to the Select Board, outlining three key decisions: whether to adopt a single or split tax rate, whether to approve a residential exemption, and whether to implement a small commercial exemption. Alexander, who was recently appointed to the position, was joined by Board of Assessors members Anne Merlin, Tricia O’Kane, and Sue Shiels.
The data presented showed Hanson is predominantly a residential community, with 92 percent of its tax base coming from residential properties and only 7.7 percent from commercial, industrial, and personal property combined. Alexander explained that adopting a split rate—which would lower residential rates while increasing commercial rates—would disproportionately burden the town’s limited commercial sector.
Alexander presented comparative scenarios showing what tax bills would look like under both uniform and split rate structures. Under a uniform rate, the average commercial industrial property would face a tax bill of approximately $9,157. However, with a 25 percent shift to a split rate, that same property would see its tax bill increase to $11,446. For residential properties, the differences were minimal, with average single-family home values increasing over the past three years while the tax rate remained stable or even decreased slightly.
The assessor noted that Hanson’s estimated tax rate for fiscal year 2026 is projected at $13.06, down slightly from previous years despite rising property values. “The values actually did go up, and that’s really based on prior year sales,” Alexander explained. “Our values are at 100 percent fair market value based on sales that already happened in 2024.”
Select Board Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive rates for businesses. “If we’re looking at, as a town, trying to attract businesses and keep the businesses that are here, and we’ve had a couple of really promising new businesses come to town, then we might want to take that into consideration,” she said.
The Board of Assessors also recommended against adopting a residential tax exemption, which is typically used in communities with high rental property rates such as Boston, Cambridge, and Cape Cod resort towns. This exemption would provide property tax relief to owner-occupants by exempting a portion of their property value from taxation, but would shift the burden to rental properties and non-resident owners.
Similarly, the board rejected a small commercial exemption that would have benefited commercial properties assessed at under one million dollars. Alexander noted that only 37 businesses in Hanson would qualify for such an exemption, and of those, 20 rent or lease their properties and would only benefit if property owners passed savings along to tenants. Only 17 business owners would have directly benefited from the exemption.
Board member Ed Heal raised a question about Proposition 2.5, the state law that limits annual property tax levy increases to 2.5 percent plus new growth. Alexander clarified that while the levy—the total amount of taxes collected—is constrained by Proposition 2.5, the tax rate itself is calculated by dividing the total levy by the town’s total assessed property value. The town’s excess levy capacity was reported at $50,140.
Alexander also provided an update on Hanson’s subsidized housing inventory, reporting that as of September 30, 2025, the town stands at 4.95 percent affordable housing—194 total units. This figure places Hanson ahead of neighboring Whitman, which stands at 3.48 percent, though still well below the state’s 10 percent threshold that would provide relief from certain affordable housing mandates. Hanover, by comparison, has exceeded the 10 percent requirement. Town Planner Tony De Frias noted that additional units at the Living Woods development may increase Hanson’s count slightly.
The Select Board also approved Hanson’s Housing Production Plan during the meeting, with a minor amendment to account for potential changes in state-level MBTA zoning requirements. The town received notice from the state that its MBTA zoning application is complete and Hanson is now in interim compliance, pending final approval and Attorney General review. De Frias and consultant Karen presented the updated plan, which had been in development for approximately nine months.
In other business, the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief presented a proposal to surplus a 2017 ambulance, Lucas CPR devices, and a power lift stretcher. Rather than accepting low bids through traditional public auction—typically yielding only $2,000 to $5,000—the department plans to use a specialized online marketplace called My Garage, which connects municipalities across the country. Town Accountant Eric Kinsherf will establish a dedicated account for the proceeds, which will be earmarked toward the purchase of a new fire engine. The Chief noted that new fire engines cost approximately one million dollars and take three years to build, prompting the department to explore “creative financing” options.
The fire department also introduced a new licensee checklist system for the town’s Inspectional Services Task Force. The checklist, developed collaboratively by the fire department, board of health, conservation commission, building department, assessors, and police, ensures that all businesses seeking Common Victualler licenses and liquor licenses are current with inspections and requirements across all relevant departments before licenses are issued. The Deputy Chief explained that the previous system allowed some businesses to receive blanket approval and then delay compliance until the following year. “We didn’t have leverage,” he said. “This is kind of the opportunity where we get to see that person and say, hey, your sprinkler system is not up to date. Your fire alarm system is not up to date. That’s all got to be done before you even apply for your application.”
The board approved the use of town property for lawn signs promoting a November 29, 2025 “sip and stroll” event organized by local businesses. Chair FitzGerald-Kemmett reminded organizers to remove signs promptly after the event.
Committee updates included news that the Economic Development Committee is planning a second annual Hanson Business Summit for the third week of February 2026 at Camp Kiwanee. The event will feature presentations on social media, cybersecurity, and business technology, all delivered by local business owners. Representatives from town departments including the Building Commissioner, Town Planner, and Board of Health will be available to consult with business owners about expansion plans or regulatory concerns.
The Energy Committee reported that Hanson has partnered with HomeWorks Energy to provide no-cost home energy assessments and weatherization services through the MassSave program. Residents should expect informational mailings after Thanksgiving. Board member Ed Heal noted that homeowners using heat pumps for heating can register with their electric company to receive special reduced electricity rates.
Interim Town Administrator Kevin Donovan submitted a written report noting that the FY27 budget process is underway with all departmental budgets due December 5, 2025. Town Accountant Eric Kinsherf will present to the Select Board on December 16, and budgets will be transmitted to Finance Committee Chairman Kevin Sullivan on December 17 for committee hearings. The state has certified new growth at $618,672, which will be incorporated into financial forecasts once the Governor files the state budget and local aid figures become available in January 2026.
Chair FitzGerald-Kemmett provided an update on ongoing discussions with the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee regarding budget deficits. She reported meeting with the Superintendent and Whitman Select Board Chairman Carl Kowalski, where town officials emphasized that until the full scope and cause of the budget problems are understood, the Select Board cannot take action. The school district has hired a consultant to help navigate the fiscal challenges, which have resulted in layoffs and significant community concern. Another school committee meeting was scheduled for November 19, 2025.
The board approved open meeting minutes from September 30, October 14, and October 28, 2025, and issued one-day liquor licenses for private events on November 23, 2025 and January 13, 2026. Town Administrator Lisa Green is scheduled to return to work on December 1, 2025, following her leave of absence.
Why It Matters
The Select Board’s decision to maintain a uniform tax rate protects Hanson’s small business community from steep tax increases while keeping residential property taxes stable. With the town’s commercial sector comprising less than 8 percent of the tax base, shifting additional burden to businesses could have deterred economic development and potentially driven existing businesses out of town. For homeowners, the stable tax rate—projected to decrease slightly to $13.06 per thousand dollars of assessed value—provides predictability even as property values continue to rise. The town’s approach of earmarking ambulance sale proceeds toward future fire equipment purchases demonstrates fiscally responsible planning for major capital needs, potentially reducing the impact on taxpayers when a new fire engine is needed in the coming years.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To open the classification hearing. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:02:54)
Motion: To adopt a uniform tax rate for Fiscal Year 2026 (rejecting a split rate). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:13:12)
Motion: To not adopt a residential tax exemption. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:13:12)
Motion: To not adopt a small commercial exemption. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:13:13)
Motion: To close the classification hearing. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:14:06)
Motion: To approve the Housing Production Plan with amendment regarding MBTA zoning language. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:18:13)
Motion: To declare 2017 ambulance, Lucas CPR device, and power lift stretcher as surplus. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:24:13)
Motion: To approve the Inspectional Services Task Force licensee checklist. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:28:29)
Motion: To approve use of town property (town hall grounds and traffic islands) for lawn signs promoting November 29, 2025 sip and stroll event. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:30:19)
Motion: To approve open meeting minutes from September 30, October 14, and October 28, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:30:59)
Motion: To approve one-day liquor licenses for November 23, 2025 and January 13, 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:32:30)
Motion: To adjourn to executive session. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:40:54)
Public Comment
No public comment period was held during this meeting. All presentations were made by town officials and invited consultants.
What’s Next
The tax classification decisions will be submitted to the State Department of Revenue for final approval of the FY26 tax rate. All departmental budgets for FY27 are due December 5, 2025. Town Accountant Eric Kinsherf will present the budget overview to the Select Board on December 16, 2025, with budgets transmitted to the Finance Committee on December 17 for hearings. The second annual Hanson Business Summit is planned for the third week of February 2026 at Camp Kiwanee. Town Administrator Lisa Green returns to work December 1, 2025. The next Select Board meetings are scheduled for December 2, 2025, December 16, 2025, and January 13, 2026. Another Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee meeting regarding budget deficits was scheduled for November 19, 2025.
Full meeting available via Whitman Hanson Community Access Television.