SOARING TAXES

This chart shows the major increase in spending for FY2024 planned for the Mayor's Office during her first year - $637,934. This is a 40% hike above the previous year.

This chart shows the FY2024 School budget of $126,584,662. This is the largest departmental budget in the City.

Local media are focused on the current and hefty increases in personal property taxes in Haverhill.

The City's budget report broke down the components driving the tax increase in FY2024. The consequences of the Consentino School override - which was unnecessary - constitute almost a quarter (24%) of the hike.

For percent of income spent on the average tax bill among area communities, Haverhill ranks 6th highest with 16.37%. According to World Population Review, the median (half above and half below) household income in Haverhill is $87,675 with a 10.62% poverty rate. Our growth rate is 0.24% with population increasing from 67,636 in 2020 to only 68,454 in 2025.

 These figures from the city finance office show the sharp incline for tax, water and wastewater revenues since the new city government took over in Jan. 2024. The fiscal year for municipalities runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Washington Square's current designed was last renovated in 1983 at a cost of $1.4 million.

The proposed new Washington Square design was developed by landscape architectural firm AECOM.  The city used Covid-era American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for the ongoing design work.  

The current Basiliere Bridge was built in 1925  

to carry traffic from Route 125 over the Merrimack River, and was named for 

Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere. 

Schematic of the new bridge provided by MassDOT which is undertaking the 6 1/2-year project that will cost $251 million.  Granite from existing bridge piers will be repurposed for retaining walls along the Bradford Rail Trail running underneath, and copper roofs from the old lookout towers will be used for new gazebos. 

MassDOT schematic of the new lane configuration for the new Basiliere bridge. It will feature separate lanes for vehicles & bikes, and include a sidewalk and scenic overlooks.