Three of four Outer Cape towns have set their fiscal year 2021 tax rates; Provincetown and Eastham taxpayers face 7-percent and 5-percent increases, respectively, while Truro’s rate is just slightly higher than last year’s.
Truro mailed out tax bills on Oct. 9, with the 2021 rates set at $7.38 per thousand for residential property and $7.12 for commercial, industrial, and personal property. The 2020 rates were $7.33 residential and $7.07 commercial.
Eastham expects to mail tax bills on Oct 22. The town’s 2021 rate of $9.18 per thousand for all classes of property represents an increase of 5.27 percent over last year’s rate of $8.72.
Provincetown Principal Assessor Scott Fahle said he expects tax bills to go out on Nov. 1. This year’s residential tax rate is $7.08, up 6.95 percent; the commercial, industrial, and personal property tax rate is $6.77, up 7.12 percent.
Wellfleet’s tax bill mailing has been delayed not just by Covid-19 but also by the dismissal of the town accountant on Sept 22. Wellfleet has “borrowed” Eastham Finance Director Rich Bienvenue to help set the tax rate.
“He’s doing a fantastic job, getting the last bits and pieces for our tax rate filing,” said Town Administrator Maria Broadbent.
Wellfleet Assessor Nancy Vail said Monday that she expected the tax rate to be set in about two weeks. Then it would be about another two weeks before tax bills were mailed.
Tax payments are due 30 days from the date postmarked on the bill. —Linda Culhane
