Weymouth Council Approves 146% Tax Shift to Commercial Properties, Keeping Residential Rates Lowest in Region
WEYMOUTH - November 17 - The Weymouth Town Council unanimously approved a 146% tax classification shift to commercial, industrial and personal properties for fiscal year 2026 on Monday evening, continuing the town’s practice of protecting residential taxpayers while maintaining the lowest single-family tax rate among neighboring communities.
The Full Story
The Board of Assessors recommended the 146% shift, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 147% shift, citing the need to be considerate to commercial properties whose values continue to increase but at a much slower rate than during the COVID-19 pandemic and through 2023. Board of Assessor’s member Steve Whalen and Principal Assessor Trish O’Kane presented the recommendation to the Budget Management Committee before the full council vote.
O’Kane emphasized that Weymouth’s commercial properties are not as valuable as many residents might assume. “The median commercial industrial value is only $562,900, whereas the median single family is 570, or the average single-family home is $613,460,” she explained. Despite the shift, Weymouth maintains its distinction of having one of the lowest tax bills in the immediate area while providing extensive municipal services.
The tax shift means commercial, industrial and personal property owners will pay a higher tax rate than residential property owners. This policy approach, permitted under Massachusetts General Law, allows municipalities to shift a portion of the tax burden from residential to commercial properties within certain limits. The 146% shift represents a deliberate balancing act between protecting homeowners and not overburdening the business community.
In other significant financial actions, the council approved two reserve fund transfers totaling more than $50,750 to pay unpaid bills that had languished for months. The larger transfer, totaling $50,510.25, addressed five invoices from New England Medical Billing Group Limited dating from October 2024 through June 2025 for Medicaid reimbursement services. A separate $250.81 transfer covered an unpaid telephone bill from June 2025.
The unpaid bills sparked sharp criticism from several councilors. Councilor Rick Coughlin stated he was “appalled” that such bills could slip through the cracks for over a year. “If this was one of our own taxpayers, we would never be granting the sort of grace that’s being granted to the town for this,” Coughlin said. “We’d be charging interest if it was a property tax that was being paid. There would be a tax title action being taken.”
Town Chief Financial Officer Anthony Delmonaco explained that the New England Medical Billing Group invoices went unpaid because they were being sent to an email address belonging to the previous CFO who had left the town. “It was an email that was attached. No one had access to anymore,” Delmonaco said. He assured the council that the situation has been rectified, with the town accountant now directly involved in all correspondence with the billing company.
Councilor Mathews defended the current administration, noting that Mayor Michael Molisse “was sitting in these chairs with us five months ago” and is now working to correct the billing issues. Councilor Gary MacDougal added that the problem was procedural rather than individual, explaining that the use of personal email addresses rather than departmental emails created the breakdown.
Vice President Greg Shanahan, chair of the Budget Management Committee, said he voted to approve the unpaid bill transfers because he was satisfied with the administration’s explanation of process improvements. “I liked to hear about the new process and how this is addressed, and I think we can effectively manage this in the future,” he said. The administration has implemented a new system routing all invoices directly through the finance office rather than individual departments.
The council also unanimously approved accepting a $5,500 donation to Elder Services from Nicholas O’Neill III in memory of his father, Nicholas O’Neill Jr., who passed away 16 years ago. Karen Johnston from Elder Services said O’Neill requested the donation be listed as anonymous in the senior center’s newsletter, though council approval required his name be public. The donation has no restrictions beyond supporting programs and services for seniors.
Councilor Coughlin praised the gift as an example of former residents giving back to the community. “I’m thrilled to see people who have ties to the town of Weymouth giving back to the community in this way,” he said. “To see the material monetary gifts come back, I’m thrilled to see that.”
In appointments, the council confirmed two new members to the Commission on Disabilities. Margaret Scott of Commercial Street was appointed to a three-year term expiring June 30, 2028, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Mary Haggerty. Scott previously served for three years on the Commission on Disabilities in Ludlow and has extensive volunteer experience, including service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Brazil and as a missionary educator internationally.
Joan Miller of Watchusett Road was appointed to fill a three-year term expiring June 30, 2026, replacing Laurie Drogan who resigned. Miller, a 40-year Weymouth resident who raised four children, three with disabilities, has extensive experience as an advocate through the Federation for Children and the parent council under Chapter 766. She also worked in the juvenile court system with families dealing with restraining orders, mental health issues, substance abuse and DCF involvement.
The council referred three new proposed ordinances to the Ordinance Committee that would establish licensing and regulatory frameworks for massage establishments, mobility studios and bodywork establishments. The measures, numbered 25-107, 25-108 and 25-109 respectively, each require legal notice and public hearings. Each proposed ordinance would add a new section to Chapter 6 of the town ordinances concerning preservation of public peace and order.
Additionally, the council referred a borrowing request of $7.5 million to the Budget Management Committee for the Wolf Street sewer pump station improvement project. The project would add an additional wet well and increase pumping capacity at the facility. The measure, numbered 25-106, requires a legal notice and public hearing before final approval.
During announcements, Councilor Coughlin shared exciting news about Weymouth High School’s music programs. The high school chorus, Weymouth High Harmonies, has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York, not as part of a larger group but with their own 30-minute solo set. The high school band has also been invited to perform aboard the USS Intrepid Naval Memorial and Museum ship, a World War II Essex-class aircraft carrier that served in the Pacific, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
“These invitations are truly a once-in-a-lifetime honor and a reflection of our students, their hard work and their talent,” Coughlin said. “It’s also a testimony to the direction of our music department and staff.” The music students are fundraising for the trip through coffee cake sales and direct contributions, with information available through the Weymouth Pops Facebook page.
Councilor Carrie Palazzo reminded residents that Weymouth High’s theater company will present “Mean Girls” this weekend at Chapman Middle School, with performances Friday, November 21, Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets remain available at TicketStage.com.
President Pascale Burga welcomed new Town Clerk Lisa VanWinkle to her first council meeting, and the council recognized departing Secretary Kim McCutcheon on her last day with the council before moving to a new position as assistant to Mayor Molisse.
Why It Matters
The 146% tax shift directly affects property tax bills for every homeowner and business in Weymouth. By shifting more of the tax burden to commercial, industrial and personal properties, residential property owners will see lower tax rates than they would under a uniform rate applied to all property classes. For the average single-family homeowner with a property valued at $613,460, this shift could mean savings of hundreds of dollars annually compared to a flat tax rate. The policy helps Weymouth maintain its competitive advantage as having one of the lowest residential tax rates in the region, which supports property values and makes the community more affordable for families. However, the shift also affects the business climate, as commercial property owners face higher rates that factor into their operating costs and potentially influence business location decisions.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve Ordinance Committee meeting minutes of October 2, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 03:37)
Motion: Approve Budget Management Committee meeting minutes of October 6, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 04:04)
Motion: Approve Town Council meeting minutes of October 6, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 04:20)
Motion: Approve Special Town Council meeting minutes of October 22, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 04:34)
Motion: Open public hearing on Measure 25-099 fiscal year 2026 tax classification. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 05:02)
Motion: Close public hearing on Measure 25-099 fiscal year 2026 tax classification. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 07:33)
Motion: Refer Measure 25-105 reserve fund transfer unpaid bill to Budget Management Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 09:33)
Motion: Refer Measure 25-106 Wolf Street sewer pump station improvement project borrowing request to Budget Management Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 10:51)
Motion: Refer Measure 25-107 proposed ordinance adding section 6-1500 concerning massage establishment requirements to Ordinance Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:00)
Motion: Refer Measure 25-108 proposed ordinance adding section 6-1600 concerning mobility studio establishment requirements to Ordinance Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 13:12)
Motion: Refer Measure 25-109 proposed ordinance adding section 6-1400 concerning bodywork establishment requirements to Ordinance Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 14:14)
Motion: Approve Measure 25-099 fiscal year 2026 tax classification with 146% shift. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 15:30)
Motion: Approve Measure 25-100 acceptance of $5,500 donation from Nicholas O’Neill III to Elder Services. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 18:53)
Motion: Approve Measure 25-101 reserve fund transfer of $250.81 for unpaid bill. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 21:16)
Motion: Approve Measure 25-102 reserve fund transfer of $50,510.25 for unpaid bills. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 29:00)
Motion: Approve appointment of Margaret Scott to Commission on Disabilities. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 30:51)
Motion: Approve appointment of Joan Miller to Commission on Disabilities. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 33:05)
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 34:27)
Public Comment
No public comment was offered during the designated public comment period or the public hearing on tax classification.
What’s Next
The Budget Management Committee will hold hearings on the Wolf Street sewer pump station improvement project borrowing request and the unpaid bill reserve fund transfer. The Ordinance Committee will review three proposed ordinances establishing regulations for massage establishments, mobility studios and bodywork establishments, each requiring legal notice and public hearings before returning to the full council for final action. The newly configured Commission on Disabilities will continue its work with two new members appointed to fill vacancies.