Peabody Touts Affordability In Essex County

PEABODY, MA – Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt's FY2018 budget proposal confirms that Peabody will again boast the lowest average residential property tax bill for a city in Essex County. Salisbury has the lowest average bill as a town in Essex County.

"We continue to invest in areas that are vital to Peabody’s long term growth and prosperity – as well as to the quality of life of our residents," said Bettencourt. "And we continue to do so while maintaining the affordability which has long been our city’s calling card."

The city recently undertook some major infrastructure projects, including the new Higgins Middle School, and nearly $6 million in downtown revitalization projects. A statement from Bettencourt's office noted that the city has a healthy reserve of free cash, an Aa1 Bond rating, excess levy capacity, and a large and diverse tax base.

"Our residents have come to expect a level of municipal services which meet or exceed those of nearby cities and towns but with property tax bills that are on average hundreds and even thousands of dollars less than those communities," said Bettencourt. "In terms of public safety, road and sidewalk maintenance, no-fee trash pickup, snow plowing, new parks, playgrounds and recreational venues, Peabody offers a tremendous value for homeowners."

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