Essex Tech Assessment Increases

The Essex Tech assessment issue emerged during the Finance Committee's review of the town's required contribution to Essex Northshore Agricultural and Technical School. Committee members examined the state's mandated formula, which incorporates community wealth and overall budget factors, after receiving notice of a 12% increase in the assessment.

Despite a reduction in student enrollment from Danvers, the assessment rose, prompting debate over the formula's fairness and lack of transparency. Some members considered a symbolic vote against the article as a form of protest to signal concerns to the state.

Public comments at the meeting highlighted both support for the program and frustration with the calculation method. One resident noted that Essex Tech provides essential technical and agricultural education unavailable at Danvers High School, while another requested a written explanation of the formula because prior descriptions had been confusing.

A third resident inquired whether voting 'no action' would send a meaningful message to the state. The Finance Committee ultimately approved the assessment article with one opposed vote, while discussing but not finalizing a request for clarification from the state delegation.

The Select Board meeting on May 19 did not address the assessment, focusing instead on unrelated Essex Tech matters such as a one-day license application.

At its April 27 meeting the Finance Committee discussed the FY2026 Essex Tech assessment, debating the necessity of the vote and the mechanics of the state formula; members noted that a 'no action' vote would be largely symbolic. The committee tabled the Article 5 vote until the following day to permit further discussion and possible input from the superintendent.