Pittsfield Taxes Going Up

The good news is that Pittsfield property values are up slightly, about 3%. The bad news is, with that, the city will collect about 1.2M dollars more in tax revenue than last year. According to The Berkshire Eagle, homeowners will be seeing an increase close to 2%, whereas commercial property owners will see about 0.5% more on their tax bill in the upcoming year.

Finance Director Matt Kerwood said a recent state valuation showing an increase in Pittsfield property values allowed for a levy ceiling bump, allowing Pittsfield to raise more  in taxes than recently thought. There was one city councilor who suggested to take $500,000 from free cash and reduce the tax increase a bit; however, Ward 4 councilor Chris Connell was largely outnumbered.