Voters will be asked to consider two separate override amounts:

These rate adjustments are calculated directly from the override amounts and the FY2026 tax base, using methodology adapted from the town's official tax impact calculations. The rates differ from earlier estimates ($1.89 and $1.40 respectively) because they are based on actual FY2026 assessment data rather than FY2025 projections. The FY2026 baseline tax rate of $10.06 is also lower than the earlier estimate of $10.23 due to higher than anticipated new growth and changes in total assessed valuation.

The calculator displays two key pieces of information for your property:

• Proposed Tax Bill: Your complete estimated FY2026 tax bill under each override scenario, including both the baseline tax increase and the override amount
• Override Impact: The additional amount you would pay specifically due to the override, shown as the difference between the no-override baseline and each override scenario (not the difference from your FY2025 tax bill)

The calculator also displays your historical FY2025 tax amount to help you understand how your property taxes are changing year-over-year. This comparison is calculated by:

• Using your FY2025 assessed value from Patriot Properties (the official online property database)
• Applying the FY2025 certified tax rate to calculate your actual FY2025 tax bill
• Comparing this historical amount to your projected FY2026 tax amounts (both with and without the override)

This allows you to see both the baseline year-over-year increase (due to the combination of assessment changes and the standard levy increase) as well as the additional impact of each override scenario. The FY2025 data shown is pulled from Patriot Properties and may not 100% accurately reflect your actual FY2025 tax bill due to exemptions, appeals, or other adjustments not reflected in the database.

• Official FY2026 property assessments obtained directly from the Stoneham Assessor's Office on November 21, 2025
• Note: This FY2026 assessment data is public record and available upon request from the Assessor's Office, but is not yet reflected in online databases like Patriot Properties. Your current tax bill reflects FY2025 assessments, not the FY2026 values used in this calculator. Historical FY25 data displayed in the calculator is pulled from Patriot Properties and may not 100% accurately reflect your actual FY25 tax bill.
• Certified FY2026 residential tax rate of $10.06 per $1,000 of assessed value (with 1.75 CIP shift factor)
• FY2026 baseline tax bill calculation (no override scenario)
• Accurate comparison between the two override scenarios based on FY2026 valuations
• Methodology validated against the town's official tax rate calculations
• Transparent methodology with disclosed data sources

Even with no override, your FY2026 tax bill will increase from FY2025 due to the baseline levy increase of $3,435,043, which consists of:

• 2.5% statutory increase: $1,505,113 (automatic under Proposition 2½)
• New growth: $700,000 (certified new construction value)
• Debt exclusion increase: $1,229,930 (high school debt service)

However, the FY2026 baseline tax rate of $10.06 is actually lower than the FY2025 rate because total assessed property values increased more than the levy increase. Under Proposition 2½, when property values rise faster than the levy, tax rates decline even as individual tax bills may increase.

Your individual baseline increase depends on how your specific property's FY2026 assessment compares to its FY2025 assessment. Properties that increased in value more than the town average will see larger baseline increases, while properties that increased less than average will see smaller baseline increases.

Your actual FY2026 tax bill may differ from this calculation because:

1. This calculator uses FY2026 assessment data

   • Your FY2026 assessment may differ from your FY2025 assessment
   • Current tax bills show FY2025 data; FY2026 bills will be issued later
   • Assessment data is public record from the Assessor's Office but not yet in online databases

2. Final assessments may be subject to adjustment

   • Property owners may appeal assessments to the Board of Assessors
   • Minor corrections or updates may occur before final certification
   • For questions about your assessment, contact the Assessor's Office

3. Final override amount must be approved by voters

   • Voters will decide between the $12.5M and $9.3M override options
   • Only one override amount (or none) will be approved
   • The actual override impact depends on which question passes

4. This calculator provides estimates for comparison purposes

   • It uses official FY2026 data and certified tax rates
   • It allows you to compare your baseline FY2026 tax bill with the impact of each override scenario
   • For official tax information, contact the Assessor's Office

Under Massachusetts Proposition 2½ law, the residential tax rate is calculated by dividing the total residential levy by the total assessed value of all residential properties, then expressing the result per $1,000 of value:

Tax Rate = (Total Levy ÷ Total Assessed Value) × 1,000

For FY2026, the certified residential tax rate is $10.06 per $1,000 of assessed value with no override. An override increases the total levy, which increases the tax rate proportionally. Our calculator applies these rate increases directly to individual property assessments using methodology adapted from the town's official calculations.