Barrington officials are anticipating a small decrease in the tax rate this year, but Peter Clifford wants to remind people that the drop can be a bit misleading.

Mr. Clifford, who is a former member of the town's committee on appropriations, said residents need to combine the anticipated decrease in the tax rate with their individual property assessment. The town recently completed a revaluation, in which the average resident saw his or her property assessment increase by about 6 percent. 

Mr. Clifford said that the tax rate is expected to decrease from $20 (per $1,000 of assessed value) to about $19.65. But before residents celebrate, they should check their assessments to see what the impact will be to their tax bill.

"The average tax increase is 4 percent," Mr. Clifford added. 

There are a number of factors weighing on the tax rate this year, in addition to the proposed operating budgets (school and municipal), capital improvements, and debt service. Officials are anticipating less tax revenue from the car tax and from the increased amount of senior tax exemptions the town is offering.

"I would encourage each individual to check their revaluation," said Mr. Clifford. 

Reval information can be found at www.nereval.com.

Mr. Clifford has filed an amendment for this year's financial town meeting — he has called for a $500,000 cut to the school department's operating budget. Residents will be asked to vote on that amendment during Wednesday night's financial town meeting.