Orange Projects Lower Property Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2027

For fiscal year 2027, Orange anticipates a reduction in its property tax rate, even though the municipality plans to collect $607,769 more in property taxes than in fiscal year 2026.

The decision came after a tax classification hearing, according to the Greenfield Recorder, with the Selectboard voting at its Nov. 4 meeting to keep a single tax rate for every property class. Unlike a split rate system which permits municipalities to levy different rates on residential versus commercial and industrial properties, Orange applies a uniform rate across all property categories through its single rate approach.

Regional Resource Group Inc. handles assessing services for the town, and Adam Hemingway, speaking as a representative for the firm, clarified why a split rate is unfeasible in Orange.

"Towns like Orange just don't have a significant commercial [and] industrial tax base," he said, per the Recorder.

Orange lowers property tax rates by 2% — 12NewsNow

Data on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website shows that Orange had a fiscal year 2026 tax rate of $16.60 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For fiscal year 2027, Hemingway projects the rate will drop by $1.31 to $15.29 per $1,000, noting that individual tax bills are also influenced by a property’s assessed value.

According to Hemingway, the total amount collected in property taxes—known as the tax levy—is projected to climb by 3.86% compared to the roughly $15.74 million collected in fiscal year 2026. That increase will bring property tax revenue to nearly $16.35 million despite the lower projected rate.

The Recorder notes that although the Selectboard decided to stick with a single rate structure, the projected $15.29 rate still needs final review and formal authorization from state revenue authorities.

Residents also had a chance to speak to the board before it made its ruling during the session at the Ruth B. Smith Auditorium in Orange Town Hall.

"Please go as easy as you can on the local taxpayer when you formulate your decision."

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said resident Ann Reed, who told the board during public comment, per the Recorder, that property taxes can burden local households and that she asks the board for the same consideration at every tax classification hearing.