Woburn Tax Rate Falls, Average Bills Increase For 2023

WOBURN, MA — Woburn’s residential tax rate will dip for the 2023 fiscal year compared to 2022. But an increase in average home values will still translate to higher tax bills, according to recent city estimates.

The Woburn City Council heard a presentation from the city's Chief Appraiser John Connolly earlier this month at its annual tax classification hearing on Dec. 1. Officials shared estimates again last week in an update online.

City Councilors ultimately opted to maintain Woburn’s dual tax rate on Dec. 1, shifting the local tax burden off residential properties and onto commercial, industrial and personal property sites to the maximum degree allowed by the state.

The shift translates to a residential tax rate of $8.70 per $1,000 of assessed home value.

The $8.70 rate marks a 64 cent decrease from the 2022 rate. With the average home value in Woburn climbing from $552,426 to $611,539 over the last year, though, residential tax bills will still increase by an average of $160 this year, according to city officials.

Woburn’s commercial, industrial and personal property tax rate is set at $21.14 per $1,000 of assessed value for the 2023 fiscal year. It is similarly falling for 2023 compared to 2022 figures.

Woburn City Council President Michael Concannon called the current tax rate “a good balance” in comments on Dec. 1

“The impact on commercial here in Woburn is reasonable based on what they get from the city (and what) they get from the location,” he said. “I think it’s a reasonable shift and it’s only fair to the residents for what they have to put up with.”

Councilor Darlene Mercer-Bruen noted recent financial pressures on local families, thanking city officials for their work on this year’s tax rate proposal.

“Given everything that’s going on in the economy, the fact that we brought it down,” Mercer-Bruen said of the tax rate. “...I’m grateful.”

Woburn Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chris Kisiel addressed the City Council this month prior to the council's vote, speaking on behalf of the chamber as he asked councilors to keep in mind recent hardships impacting businesses.

“Woburn’s rate for businesses and residents has held low compared to other communities due to smart fiscal planning by all involved,” Kisiel said. “We appreciate that.”

He continued, again thanking city leaders and looking to the future in local tax discussions.

“Please keep the businesses in mind so that we don’t start to lose them to other communities,” Kisiel said.

Officials this month discussed elements of Woburn's tax rate, noting, among other things, upcoming development in town.

The City Council, Mayor Scott Galvin said, should keep the balance of residential and commercial uses in mind when considering special permits particularly in areas around Commerce Way and New Boston Street.

"We want good commercial uses down there," he said, referencing higher tax rates on commercial uses. "The more residential uses you allow, the more you're expanding the residential valuation and reducing the commercial."