Worcester Lowers Tax Rate For 2022, But Bills Likely To Rise

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester City Council on Tuesday set property tax rates for 2022, choosing a lower rate compared to 2021 that likely won't save property owners any cash.

In a 6 to 5 vote, the Council chose to continue with the traditional split tax rate between residential and commercial (CIP) properties. The Councilors set 2022 rates at $15.21 per $1,000 for residential properties and $33.34 per $1,000 for CIP.

By comparison, the 2021 tax rate s $16.28 for residential properties and $36.20 for CIP properties.

Under the new 2022 rates, the owner of a home of average value will see a $105 increase, while CIP properties of average value will see a $143 increase. Actual increases will vary based on individual property values, however. Citywide, the value of all property rose by more than 13 percent, according to the assessor.

Typically, business groups push the Council to move toward a single tax rate, which would mean higher residential property taxes but lower CIP rates. If Worcester used a single tax rate, it would need to be $19.33 per $1,000 to raise enough money for city services in 2022.

In 2022, Worcester will raise about $346.6 million from property taxes to pay for city services. However, the city's levy limit — the maximum amount the city could raise under state law — for 2022 is $367 million. That $20.4 million in excess levy capacity is the same as 2021, which was the highest in almost 40 years.