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Vienna’s property tax rate will fall in fiscal 2027, but rising assessments mean homeowners are still expected to pay about $80 more on average each year.
The Town Council approved a balanced $58.3 million budget on May 18, along with new real estate tax and water and sewer rates. The spending plan, which takes effect July 1, is 5% larger than the current budget as the town responds to inflation and higher operating costs.
The real estate tax rate will drop from 19.5 cents to 19 cents per $100 of assessed value. That half-cent reduction will save the average homeowner about $40 annually and reduce town property tax revenue by approximately $400,000.
Despite the lower rate, increased property assessments are expected to push the average annual bill up by $80.
The budget relies partly on additional tax revenue generated by newly constructed properties to cover operating-cost increases. It also funds raises for eligible town employees and increases planning and zoning permit fees to help offset revenue lost through the tax-rate cut.
Water and sewer rates will rise by 1% to address increasing costs and infrastructure needs.
The council’s vote concluded a budget process that lasted several months and included multiple work sessions and public hearings. Fiscal 2027 marks the 14th consecutive year in which Vienna has either held its property tax rate steady or reduced it.