Rochester Select Board — September 21, 2026

The Rochester Select Board convened on September 21, 2026, handling several municipal matters, beginning with the FY 2027 tax classification hearing presented by Assessing Director Karen. The board voted to adopt a single tax rate with a minimum residential factor of 1, resulting in an estimated tax rate of $10.62 per thousand (a three-cent increase over the previous year), while declining to adopt open space discounts, residential exemptions, or small commercial exemptions. Board of Assessors member Marcia Kessler shared context regarding neighboring towns' rates, noting Mattapoisett's recent rates around $10.24 to $10.76 and Marion's lower rate of $8.62, which is augmented by utility district taxes.

The board reviewed an update on Old Rochester's fiscal obligations to the Gateway Health Park, noting that $536,155 has been paid from the $716,000 free cash town meeting article to cover outstanding debt and trickling healthcare claims, leaving over $170,000 remaining until the account closes on June 30th. In the Town Administrator's report, updates were shared on an upcoming fair market appraisal for a YMCA-related property, an impending municipal fiber loop project connecting town buildings via ComTrac starting in early October, and planned electrical upgrades to Town Hall.

Several actionable requests were considered and approved by the board. The board approved the warrant for the 2026 state election. Additionally, the board approved a request from Holiday Helping Angels to use the Town Hall conference room for a Christmas collection (with one member recusing), and approved a request from Scoutmaster Kim Thompson of Boy Scout Troop 31 to use the fairgrounds parking area on November 21st to cook their annual Thanksgiving dinner.

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