PLYMPTON - November 17 - Plympton property owners will see their tax rate decrease by 63 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to $14.26 for fiscal year 2026 after selectmen voted unanimously November 17 to maintain a single tax rate across all property classes.
The Full Story
The Board of Selectmen’s annual tax classification hearing centered on whether to tax residential properties at a different rate than commercial and industrial properties. Following the Board of Assessors’ recommendation, Selectmen chose to keep the unified rate structure that has long characterized the town’s tax policy.
“The Town of Plympton has just under 25% of commercial, industrial, and personal properties. Therefore, a split rate is not recommended,” the Board of Assessors representative Holly Merry told the selectmen. Communities typically need around 35% commercial property to make a split rate practical, and “it’s big cities that really split your rate.”
The lower tax rate comes despite rising property values across Plympton. Assessed values increased for fiscal year 2026 based on continued strength in the local real estate market. “The sales are just booming. The prices of houses, that has to do with our assessed value,” Merry said, noting the valuations reflect 100% fair market value from sales analysis spanning 2023 through 2025.
Personal property valuations brought an unexpected windfall to the town’s new growth figures. Utilities reported by the Department of Revenue contributed over $8 million in value. “This was unexpected growth. I didn’t think it was going to be this high on personal property,” Merry said.
Cisco remains the town’s largest taxpayer, followed by Eversource Energy, Brook Street Plympton, Solar One, and Light Control Corporation. The concentration of tax burden on these major entities factored into Selectmen’s consideration of the rate structure.
Selectmen also rejected three optional tax exemptions recommended for denial by the Board of Assessors. The open space discount, residential exemption, and small commercial exemption each target specific community characteristics that don’t align with Plympton’s demographics.
Only 18 Massachusetts cities and towns use the residential exemption, typically resort communities with high second-home populations. “There’s no second homes in Plympton,” Merry noted. The small commercial exemption exists in just 14 communities statewide with commercial property percentages far exceeding Plympton’s 11.7%.
Beyond the tax classification vote, selectmen appointed Brian Wick to the Town Properties Committee and received updates on multiple grant applications and projects.
The state requested follow-up information for the Green Communities Grant application to fund attic weatherization at the town building. Town Administrator Liz Dennehy called the additional documentation request “a good sign.” The Department of Environmental Protection similarly requested manganese test results for a grant application to help offset public water supply project costs. With ARPA funding insufficient to cover the full project, supplemental sources remain critical.
The Town Properties Committee is coordinating with the architect on the front door replacement project, determining expenditures to date and the status of plans and specifications. Dennehy also announced plans to publicize openings on boards and committees, with interested residents asked to submit resumes and letters of interest. Depending on the position, the board may conduct interviews before appointments.
Mid-year financial reporting revealed budget pressures in several departments at the 38% mark of the fiscal year. Legal expenses have consumed 89% of the annual budget, signaling a significant year-end deficit. The Appeals Board exhausted its small budget on certified mailings, prompting discussion about whether applicants could bear some mailing costs. Fire department expenses and medical supplies are tracking at 48% and 44% spent respectively.
Group health insurance emerged as another concern. An unanticipated 11% rate increase for senior plans could create pressure before fiscal year’s end, despite current spending remaining manageable with December premiums already paid.
In correspondence, the board received letters from the Plympton Police Association Local 276, Police Department Command Staff, and an email from the Police Chief regarding concerns about the Board Chairman. The documents are public records available in the selectmen’s office. Selectmen plan to discuss the correspondence in executive session and will issue any official response as public record.
Selectman Nathaniel Sides publicly thanked community groups for addressing food insecurity through food pantry contributions, expanded access to services, and free community dinners. “It’s why we live in a small town, right? We take care of each other when we need to.”
Chairman Dana Smith encouraged residents stepping forward for committee service, emphasizing the importance of formal applications and professional appointment processes. “That’s how our town has always survived and done what it’s done. To make it the unique town that it is.”
Selectmen adjourned to executive session to discuss non-union personnel negotiations with police sergeants and the town accountant, personnel matters, and litigation strategy regarding Cape Cod Builders Inc. over the Town Hall roof replacement dispute.
Why It Matters
The 63-cent tax rate decrease is offset by how much property values increased, increasing within the confines of Proposition 2 1/2. The decision to maintain a single tax rate preserves the balanced approach selectmen have historically favored, ensuring residential taxpayers don’t shift their burden onto the town’s limited commercial base. Rejecting the three exemptions maintains the current tax structure without creating special categories that could complicate administration.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Vote no on three tax exemptions (open space discount, residential exemption, small commercial exemption) and approve residential factor of 1.0 for FY 2026 tax classification. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 8:09)
Motion: Appoint Brian Wick to the Town Properties Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:02)
Motion: Enter executive session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a), Purpose 2 (non-union personnel negotiations), Purpose 1 (personnel matters), and Purpose 3 (litigation strategy regarding Cape Cod Builders roof replacement dispute); not to return to open session. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous by roll call (Smith-Yes, Sides-Yes). (Timestamp: 22:59)
Public Comment
No public comment period was held during this meeting.
What’s Next
The Board of Assessors will use the approved residential factor of 1.0 to calculate FY 2026 tax bills reflecting the $14.26 per $1,000 tax rate and updated assessed values. Selectmen will consider any official response to police personnel correspondence during executive session, with responses becoming public record at a future meeting. The next regularly scheduled meetings are December 1 and December 15, both at 2:00 p.m., subject to posting confirmation.