I am writing to express concern about Westhampton’s persistently high property tax rates, particularly for personal property, which remain among the highest in the Pioneer Valley. Over the past several years, while most towns in our region and across Massachusetts have lowered tax rates in response to rapidly rising property values, Westhampton has done the opposite — keeping rates high or raising them further.
In fact, Westhampton is the only town in Massachusetts with a tax rate above $20 per $1,000 of value that has actually increased its rate since 2022. This failure to adjust the tax rate to reflect higher property values is placing an undue burden on residents. For those on fixed incomes, such as retirees, the situation has become especially difficult.
At a time when other communities are finding ways to balance municipal needs with residents’ ability to pay, Westhampton appears to be moving in the opposite direction. I urge the town’s leaders to explain why our tax policy diverges so dramatically from regional and statewide trends — and, more importantly, to consider the impact this has on the people who call Westhampton home.
Heather Livingston
Westhampton