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The Fiscal 2019 Classification Research Group met for the first time on April 3. The 12-member group is charged with determining whether to create a split tax rate in Westford — one that would set a rate for businesses different from the rate paid by residents. [Continue below].
A single tax rate of $16.18 per $1,000 of valuation was set on Nov. 28 with a 10 percent small commercial exemption for properties assessed under $1 million. The resulting tax rate for the remaining commercial and industrial properties was $16.38 per $1,000 of valuation.
The tax classification hearing prompted a discussion about splitting the rate. Selectmen created a committee on Jan. 23 and appointed members on Feb. 27.
Ronald Caterino, a member of the Economic Development Committee, and Tom Clay, a member of the Board of Selectmen were elected as co-chairmen on April 3. The remaining members are Glen Secor of the Finance Committee, Titus Palmer of the Board of Assessors, Bob Tierney of the Council on Aging, alternate member Thomas Barry, of the Economic Development Committee, Christine Collins of the Finance Department, Sarah Fletcher of the Westford Business Association, and Residents-at-large Beth Morrison, Daniel Bush, Charlene LaRoche, and Scott MacKay.
The group set a timeline of presenting its findings to selectmen by sometime in August. The next meeting will be held on April 23 in the evening. Time and location are to be determined.
