Boston.com readers push back against 13% property tax increase

Readers Say

Many worry the hike could drive homeowners and residents out of the city.

Boston single-family homeowners are facing a 13% property tax increase, sparking debate and frustration among residents and Boston.com readers. Mayor Michelle Wu has attempted to pass a tax-relief bill that would shift more of the city’s tax burden from homeowners to commercial properties, but the proposal has stalled in the state Senate and is unlikely to pass.

Property taxes currently fund more than 70% of Boston’s budget. The proposed hike comes as commercial property values fall due to high office vacancy rates, while residential values rise. Wu needs state approval to adjust the city’s property tax formula, and the city’s chief financial officer Ashley Groffenberger noted that cutting the budget further is not a viable option. Even with a 2% spending cut across all departments, the overall budget will still grow in the next fiscal year.

An informal Boston.com poll of 447 readers found that 82%oppose the tax increase, 11% believe should share the burden, and 6% see the hike as difficult but necessary to maintain city services.

One reader wrote, “Wu needs to balance her budget to fit within the existing tax revenue, not raise taxes on any one,” while Tony R. from East Boston said, “My energy, grocery and home and car insurance rates are very high. Increasing my taxes will drive me out of Boston and likely the state of MA.”

It’s unacceptable — the city should do more to prevent it

“It’s time to reduce spending and cut the bloated budget. Residents are cutting spending to make ends meet, the government needs to do the same. This profligacy of spending has got to end.” – Alexander K. from Newton

“There’s so, so many suburban locations with empty office and commercial buildings – not to mention that there’s other states more economical to do business in for operations that aren’t directly customer facing. This feels like a run at ‘hollowing out’ Downtown Boston.”-Mac from Magnolia

“The cost of living and housing costs in Boston and Massachusetts is already close to being (if not already) the highest in the nation. This is tone deaf and is a result of mismanagement of existing tax dollars. It doesn’t just affect homeowners, it will also affect renters as landlords will surely find ways to pass this along.”- Aaron from Brighton

“Private home costs are already astronomical and homeowners should not have to carry the burden of commercial developers property taxes.” –Sophie from Charlestown

“Reduce the budget, it’s that simple. This administration has zero fiscal responsibility or accountability and loves to point the finger at anyone but themselves.” – Sarah C. from Back Bay

“The city needs more fiscal discipline. Prioritize schools and public safety, remove all the fluff. Work to attract businesses, incentivize development.” –Jay from Dorchester

“Property taxes is one of many reasons that Massachusetts has become unaffordable. The city and the state should do their job and address the property tax situation, and not just for Boston’s benefit. One worthwhile idea is having colleges and universities finally pay into the properly tax pool. But political leaders must open their minds and find a sensible solution.” –Neil R. from South Boston

“The city does not provide enough services and the services they do provide are not of high enough quality to justify this increase. The city should shrink the budget.” –Thomas from West Roxbury

“Seems like the easiest thing to do is raise taxes instead of considering other options that don’t hurt homeowners as much. As a homeowner we also have spending budgets, but unfortunately don’t have the option to raise it by 13%.” –Anonymous from Dorchester

“I am a senior on a limited income and increasing medical expenses. This increase may force me to sell my beloved home of 33 years.”- Karen M. from Beacon Hill

It’s difficult but necessary to maintain city services

“Services come at a cost and Boston is a world-class city with world-class services and schools that cost money.” –DB from Cambridge

“Economies go up and down. The city provides essential services that we should keep in place.”-Peter K. from Allston

“It is simply too much/too fast. While housing appraisals have risen, the ability to pay this has not been at the same trajectory. Unless you sell, you do not get the benefit. This is more than unacceptable – this will be the reason I leave Boston. And your questionnaire is not taking my answer – which is unacceptable!”- C. Sweeney from Roslindale

Homeowners should share the burden

“City homeowners are city voters. Mayor Wu hasn’t been secretive about her spending priorities. Someone was always going to have to foot the bill for that, seems only fair to me that it be those who put her in office.” –Jimmy from Winthrop

“Voters voted for this nonsense so they should reap what they sow.” – Mary M. from Brookline

“People need to pay for what they own. Nothing comes for free. If you can afford the property, you can afford the tax.” – Mike D. from Boston

Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.