Hanson Prioritizes Business Growth with Uniform Tax Rate Decision

Select Board rejects split rate proposal, maintains single tax rate of $13.38 per thousand; Town sets goals for improving infrastructure and streamlining government processes

HANSON, MA - November 19 - The Hanson Select Board voted unanimously Tuesday to maintain a uniform tax rate for all property classes, rejecting an option to shift more of the tax burden onto commercial properties. The decision, made during the annual tax classification hearing, aims to preserve a business-friendly environment and encourage economic growth in the town.

Denice Alexander, the town Assessor, presented the Fiscal Year 2025 classification information to the board. She explained that Hanson's current tax rate is $13.38 per thousand for all property classes, unchanged from the previous year.

"Residential tax is our primary class, it's at 93%, whereas the commercial, industrial, and personal property combined are around 7%," Alexander said.

The Board of Assessors recommended maintaining a uniform tax rate, citing concerns that a split rate could negatively impact the town's limited commercial sector.

Board Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses. "Historically, we've never done that because, frankly, we want to do whatever we can to welcome businesses here," she said.

The board also voted against adopting a residential exemption and a small commercial exemption, following recommendations from the Board of Assessors.

Alexander noted that only 15 out of 38 eligible businesses would benefit from the small commercial exemption, potentially shifting the tax burden to other commercial properties.

In addition to tax classification, the Select Board discussed several town goals and initiatives for the coming year. These included modernizing human resources processes, updating town bylaws, and exploring digital record-keeping systems.

Town Administrator Lisa Green reported progress on several fronts, including work on an employee handbook and manual, and efforts to codify town bylaws.

"The bylaws, as they are now, are online. And those will stay online. We'll just have another area where they can go to the codified bylaw," Green explained how to manage getting the upodated bylaws online.

The board emphasized the need for improved communication and transparency with residents regarding these changes. Board member Joe Weeks suggested, "We put it on there and maybe put it in its announcements to have everybody in coverage and remind them every single time, look at this, look at this. We're going to be talking about it at town meetings."

Green also updated the board on grant opportunities and infrastructure projects. She noted that recent changes in state legislation have made Hanson ineligible for certain grants due to non-compliance with MBTA regulations.

"The days of saying we're just going to have a grant, we'll just get a grant, we'll have to scale back a little bit because we're not eligible," Green said.

The board discussed the need for a facilities manager to assess and maintain town buildings, as well as plans to improve the library and senior center facilities.

FitzGerald-Kemmett suggested exploring the use of ARPA funds for a comprehensive study of both buildings' needs. "Somebody needs to holistically pull what you've both talked about together," she said.

As the meeting concluded, the board reviewed a list of goals for the Town Administrator, including improving the town's website, developing a volunteer database, and creating a more welcoming atmosphere in town offices.