LETTER: Clarification on Split Tax Rates

To the Editor:

After reviewing today's Franklin Observer letter to the Editor, I share a few facts.
A Split Tax Rate does NOT raise the Tax Levy, thus there is no more revenue. It simply shifts a portion of the Tax Levy from the Residential Property Class to the Commercial/Industrial/Personal Property Classes.
Per MGL, annually all Property is reassessed to be at 100% of Full & Fair Cash Value, achieving Fair & Equitable Valuations for all property. Taxation per MGL is "Ad Valorem", according to value, such that each and all pay only its fair share.
While apartments may generically be considered a commercial venture, for purposes of taxation in Massachusetts, they are classified in the Residential Property Class, thus not grouped with the CIP Classes. In the typical Split Tax Rate situation, apartment taxes would be lowered just as those for single families, residential condos, vacant residential land, etc.
The Classification Act was passed over 40 years ago following the original adoption of Prop 2 1/2. It's an exception to Prop 2 1/2, and the decision on adoption is decided as a policy annually in Franklin's case by the Town Council.

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin W. Doyle

Director of Assessing

Town of Franklin, MA