City Officials Share Cost And Tax Impact Estimates For Medford High School Project

MEDFORD, MA — City officials shared details this week about how a potential debt exclusion for a new Medford High School could affect local taxpayers as planning for the project continues.

The presentation outlined several possible project options currently under consideration through the Massachusetts School Building Authority process, including renovation, addition-renovation and new construction alternatives.

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According to the presentation, district-share costs for the various options range from approximately $440 million to more than $607 million.

One of the lower-cost options presented, a new-build high school project, carries an estimated district share of about $440.2 million. Other options presented ranged from roughly $532.7 million to $607.2 million depending on the scope of the project and additional programming included in the building.

Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said affordability remains a major factor as the city works through the planning process.

"Mayor Lungo-Koehn supports delivering a modern high school that serves Medford students for generations to come," the presentation stated. "As project planning continues, affordability remains a critical consideration."

Officials also presented estimates showing how different project costs could affect property tax bills if funded through a debt exclusion.

For the average single-family home in Medford, assessed at approximately $860,609, the presentation estimated an annual tax increase of about $1,248 under a $440 million debt exclusion, $1,515 under a $532.7 million debt exclusion, and $1,721 under a $607 million debt exclusion.

The estimates are based on current projections.

Officials also highlighted tax relief programs that may help some residents offset increases, including the Massachusetts Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit for qualifying seniors.

The city plans to spend the summer reviewing ways to reduce project costs by eliminating spaces that exceed the educational needs of the high school.

Officials reportedly expect to return to the community in September with recommendations and updated plans before asking the School Building Committee to vote on a final project scope.

The city also said it will continue exploring funding options aimed at reducing the financial impact on Medford residents.

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