Norwood Rate $117-This Day In Norwood History-July 21, 1971

On July 21, 1971, State Tax Commissioner Cleo F. Jaillet announced his decision to approve a tax rate of $117 per $1,000 valuation, a $15 increase over the previous year’s rate.

The process leading up to this decision was complex and involved various stakeholders within the town government. The finance commission had initially projected a tax rate of $123, but selectmen intervened by voting to seek state approval for a transfer of municipal light department receipts to offset the rate increase. Assessors then trimmed the projection to $118, anticipating further reductions if the state approved the use of these receipts.

Town Manager Walter A. Blasenak revealed that 1971 receipts from the first six months would be $1,827,435, a significant increase of $350,000 over last year’s six-month total. Light Supt. William J. Kates forecasted a $3.8 million figure in his department’s revenue this year, noting a six percent growth rate and two rate increases the previous year.

The approved tax rate would have a substantial impact on the town’s budget, with total valuation for Norwood this year being $86,691,780, an increase of $4,461,180. This hike in valuation, combined with the state-approved transfer of municipal light department receipts, helped mitigate the effects of the tax rate increase.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger