Average home to see $185 tax hike

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December 10, 2009

By Bethany Bray

This year, residential tax bills will increase by 2.6 percent, and commercial and industrial properties will feel the pinch by 2.7 percent.

Selectmen voted Monday, Dec. 7 to set the residential tax rate at $13.19 for every $1,000 of valuation for fiscal year 2010, which started July 1. For commercial and industrial properties the rate was set at $21.34 per $1,000.

This marks the highest tax rate since 2002.

For the average Andover homeowner, whose house is valued at $548,860, this means an increase of $185. The first quarterly property tax bills reflecting the new tax rate will be due Feb. 1.

"We are all in difficult times, both residents and businesses. To share the increase, I think is fair to everyone," said Selectman Ted Teichert, who made the initial motion to set the tax classification.

Selectman Jerry Stabile was the only board member to vote against the tax classification.

Selectman Brian Major said the vote meant both businesses and residents were "sharing equally in the pain, across the board."

Residents and business owners spoke at public hearings on Dec. 7 and Nov. 16, urging selectmen to increase taxes as little as possible in their favor.

Joe Bevilacqua, president of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce attended both meetings, urging the board to consider small businesses struggling in a tough economy.

"We know businesses are hurting, but so are the residents," said Cyr Circle resident Mary Carbone.

Tewksbury Street resident Bob Willard urged the board to remember senior citizens on a fixed income, who would be hit the hardest by a property tax increase.

Teichert said setting the tax classification each year is the "one thing I look forward to the least" as a selectman, pitting residents against business.

Tax history for Andover homeowners per $1,000 of home value

2009: $12.16, rate increase of 3.6 percent

2008: $11.69, 2.1 percent

2007: $11.25, 4 percent

2006: $11.40, 6.5 percent

2005: $11.51, 5.2 percent

2004: $11.47, 4.5 percent

2003: $11.63, 9.6 percent

2002: $14.13, 5.6 percent