FY2017 Property Values Are Available for Review

The West Boylston Board of Assessors has been conducting the FY2017 triennial revaluation required by Massachusetts State Law. The periodic update of values ensures that all property is assessed at full and fair market value as of January 1, 2016. The Board has received preliminary certification by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and the official period of public disclosure is now open.

The revaluation requires the verification, analysis, and use of arms-length sales from calendar year 2015. Sales from calendar years 2014 and 2015 were used to value the apartment, vacant land, commercial, and industrial property classes. Market trends may indicate that different property types may change in value more or less than other property types. The average single family home value increased about 3%, the condominiums class increased about 3.5% with variations from complex to complex, the residential apartment class increased about 7% and the commercial apartment class increased about 23%. Commercial and industrial classes decreased overall in value about 2% with variations from one property to another. Vacant land increased between less than 1% to 17%, depending upon the neighborhood. Individual parcel valuations may vary from the class average due to data updates and corrections, new construction, and the effects of market trends effect on their specific characteristics.

Please note that an increase/decrease in value does not mean an increase/decrease in taxes. When valuations increase/decrease, the tax rate increases to adjust for the increasing tax levy based on appropriations and expenditures voted by Town Meeting.

Interested parties may examine new proposed values, to review and discuss any questions, and request changes of their assessment during the Public Disclosure period from 11/30/2016 to 12/6/2016. Values are availalable in the Assessor’s office and reports can also be found in the hall at the Assessor’s map station. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 8:00AM to 12PM noon and Friday 8-10:30AM. Values are also available here on our town website. The office may be contacted via telephone at 774-261-4040 or through email with this link.