Rockport sets up its yearly tax classification hearing Tuesday at 6:15 p.m.; last year homes and businesses paid one rate of $8.46

Rockport's Select Board holds its yearly tax classification hearing Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6:15 p.m., during a 6 p.m. meeting on Zoom. It is the same day as the state election.

At a classification hearing, the board decides with the Board of Assessors whether homes and businesses pay the same tax rate or whether more of the bill shifts to businesses. Last year Rockport kept one rate for everyone: $8.46 per $1,000 of value in fiscal 2026, down from $8.76 the year before, according to state Division of Local Services records. The fiscal 2027 rate is not set yet. See every town's rates on the property tax page.

The Zoom link and call in number are on the posted agenda. There is public comment at the start and the end.

Hearings

• 6:05 p.m., Granite Street poles. A public hearing on National Grid's request to install new poles on Granite Street.
• 6:15 p.m., tax classification. The yearly hearing on the tax rate split.

What is up for a vote

• Christmas in Rockport. The board will consider a proposal from the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce for the holiday events.
• Lighting workgroup. The board will consider creating an Ad Hoc Lighting Workgroup and its charge.
• Art Committee. An interview and possible appointment of Charles Browne to the Town Art Committee.
• Consent agenda, usually approved in one vote: minutes, any position adjustments and any donations for the comfort dog.

Updates

• A finance update on the fiscal 2027 operating and capital budgets and grants.
• The future use of the Teen Center.
• General updates from the board and Town Administrator Mitchell Vieira.

Closed sessions

The board then plans to meet in executive session on two Land Court cases, Back Beach Neighbors Committee v. Town of Rockport and the Elizabeth A. Fisher cases against the town and the state. It will not return to open session.

The board meets again Thursday, Nov. 5, at noon on Zoom, only for an executive session on a personnel matter, the Nov. 5 agenda says.

Earlier coverage: Rockport Select Board approves New Year's Eve plans with a midnight ball drop at Dock Square (Oct. 31), the Oct. 20 meeting, where the town administrator said this hearing was likely next.