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File #: 25-1735    Version: 1
Type: Officer's Communication Status: Approved
File created: 11/19/2025 In control: City Council
On agenda: 11/25/2025 Final action: 12/2/2025
Enactment date: 11/25/2025 Enactment #: 219742
Title: Chief Assessor presenting proposed FY 2026 Tax Classifications and requesting the adoption of a minimum residential factor for FY 2026 and acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, a residential exemption of 35% of average assessed value for owner-occupied properties.
Indexes: Finance-Assessing, Finance-Auditing, Finance-Budget, Finance-Grants Development, Finance-Procurement & Contracting Services, Finance-Treasury
Attachments: 1. FY26 Classification Hearing _Draft1_PDF

Agenda Summary

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Chief Assessor presenting proposed FY 2026 Tax Classifications and requesting the adoption of a minimum residential factor for FY 2026 and acceptance of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, a residential exemption of 35% of average assessed value for owner-occupied properties.

 

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Official Text

To the Honorable City Council:

 

As Chief Assessor and Chairman of the Somerville Board of Assessors, I respectfully request adoption of the tax levy percentages for the fiscal year 2026 under MGL Chapter 797. 

 

In the course of my presentation, I will propose:

1. The adoption of a minimum residential factor for the City in FY 2026.

2. The acceptance of MGL Chapter 59 Section 5C, approving a residential exemption of 35% of average assessed value for owner occupied properties for FY 2026.

 

I will be available at the meeting to answer any questions you may have.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Francis J. Golden, MAA, Chief Assessor and Chairman of the Board of Assessors

 

CONDITION/AMENDMENT

CONDITION/AMENDMENT

Two motions were approved by Roll Call vote of 11 in favor (Hardt, Wilson, Ewen-Campen, Scott, McLaughlin, Burnley, Sait, Strezo, Clingan, Mbah, Davis), 0 opposed.

1. That this Council adopts a minimum residential factor of 82.816, the legal minimum for the city for FY 2026.

2. That this Council accepts Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5C, approving a residential exemption of 35% of average assessed value for owner occupied properties for FY 2026.