Boston Officials Set Property Tax Rates Amid Debate

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's plan to raise commercial property taxes was rejected by the state Senate, prompting frustration among city officials who were seeking tax relief for homeowners. The City Council subsequently voted to set the residential tax rate at $11.58 per $1,000 and the commercial rate at $25.96 per $1,000, implementing the maximum allowable tax burden shift to businesses. Homeowners will face an approximately 10.5% tax hike, with the maximum residential exemption set at 35%, equating to about $3,984 off their tax bills. Council members expressed disappointment over the Senate's decision, which they felt undermined efforts to provide relief for vulnerable residents. The Senate's refusal to advance Wu's proposal was based on new state valuation data, which suggested that previous homeowner tax increase projections were exaggerated. City officials emphasized the urgency of adopting the new rates to facilitate timely property tax bill processing.