Stoughton homeowners will see a split tax rate for the coming year as the Select Board moved to shield residential properties from a larger share of the tax burden. During a Tuesday night public hearing, Director of Assessing Steve Dunn detailed the town’s fiscal landscape, revealing that while the overall tax rate may appear to decrease, rising property values and new growth will likely keep tax bills from falling. Dunn highlighted 1.6 million dollars in legit new growth driven largely by developments on Technology Way and a 104% surge in industrial property value over the last decade.

Chair Stephen Cavey cautioned residents against misinterpreting the fluctuating numbers. When I see a decrease in our tax rate, I love seeing it, but we have to be realistic, Cavey said. If we communicate your taxes are going down, that is false. It indicates property values are increasing and there is additional growth absorbing the taxes. Motion Made by S. Cavey to adopt a split rate for fiscal year 2026 by setting a CIP shift of 1.55 and to authorize the Director of Assessing to sign the LA-5 online. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

The board also declined to adopt a residential exemption, which is typically used by cities with high numbers of seasonal homes or apartment complexes. Member Louis Gitto questioned if the town’s recent growth in multi-family housing warranted a policy change, asking, We have gone from having very few large apartment complexes 20 years ago to many now. At what point should we be thinking about this exemption? Dunn responded that Stoughton’s apartment parcels still account for less than 1% of the town, far below the thresholds seen in cities like Boston or Chelsea. Motion Made by S. Cavey to not approve the Open Space Discount, Residential Exemption, or Small Commercial Exemption. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

Fiscal planning discussions extended into future liabilities, with Town Manager Thomas Calter warning of a looming spike in excluded debt. Calter noted that a substantial increase of approximately 2 million dollars related to the 25 million dollar South Elementary School bond will impact taxpayers starting in fiscal year 2027. Meanwhile, Member Scott Carrara voiced frustration with state-mandated tax forms that use terminology like Mayor and Town Council rather than Select Board. I won't be signing this form because I want it to say Select Board, Carrara said. I can't believe it comes out like this.

The meeting opened with a somber tribute to Charlie McNamara, a third-generation farmer and local icon who recently passed away. Carrara described McNamara as a pillar of the West Stoughton area whose family farm dated back over a century. Resident Cynthia Walsh shared memories of McNamara’s quiet generosity, including providing wagons for town haunted hayrides without asking for compensation. He wasn't a politician. He didn't bring attention to himself, Walsh said, noting his efforts to help renovate the local library. The library was able to honor him before his passing.

Public comment also touched on ongoing transparency concerns regarding Stoughton Media Access Corporation (SMAC). A resident alleged that documents in the board’s packet had been inappropriately redacted. Chair Cavey addressed the issue directly, calling the situation bizarre because the redacted Form 990 is a public IRS document. It is bizarre that we were asked to not provide a public document to the public, Cavey explained, noting that town staff were honoring a specific request from SMAC’s attorneys while the unredacted forms remain available on the IRS website.

In other business, the board addressed local infrastructure and upcoming events. Vice Chair Debra Roberts reminded the community of the upcoming MMA Connect 351 conference and requested a future presentation on annual audit results. Motion Made by L. Gitto to close the public hearing for a National Grid and Verizon joint pole petition on Atkinson Avenue. Motion Passed 5-0-0. National Grid representatives explained the new stub pole is required to support existing equipment during upcoming electrical work. Motion Made by S. Carrara to approve the pole petition. Motion Passed 5-0-0. Finally, Town Manager Calter announced that the Thanksgiving trash schedule will shift Thursday routes to Friday, and Friday routes to Monday, December 1.