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Vermont Projects 5.9% Increase in Education Property Taxes for 2025
Vermont residents can anticipate a 5.9% average increase in education property taxes for the fiscal year starting July 2025, according to the Vermont Department of Taxes’ annual forecast released on Monday. This "Dec. 1 letter" serves as the first public estimate and is based on data from the state Agency of Education and local school districts, which are currently formulating their budgets.
Governor Phil Scott indicated that this projected increase would mean a cumulative 33% rise in education property taxes over the last three years. He attributed these escalating costs to factors like an aging demographic and workforce shortages, urging lawmakers to collaborate with his administration to alleviate the tax burden on Vermonters.
Last year’s projection initially suggested an 18.5% increase, but after budget adjustments and one-time funding interventions, the actual rise was contained to 13.8%. For the upcoming year, education spending is expected to increase by about $115 million, pushing overall education costs higher.
Tax Commissioner Craig Bolio acknowledged the challenges Vermonters face with these tax increases, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions within the education funding system. He indicated that the Scott administration would put forth a new framework for discussion during the upcoming legislative session.
Meanwhile, legislators from both parties reacted to the news, with Democratic leaders expressing the necessity of prioritizing the education financing crisis when the session begins in January. Republican leaders signaled their intent to advocate for tax relief, calling for significant reforms in Vermont’s education finance structure.
As Vermonters brace for another tax increase, the tension among lawmakers reflects a broader concern about the sustainability of education funding and its impact on residents’ financial well-being.
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