Essex, MA town hall & government
Essex spent $20.9 million in the year to June 30, 2022, about $5,472 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Essex's government.
Where Essex's money goes
Essex runs its own schools, so school spending is part of its budget. Comparisons are with other Massachusetts towns.
Where the money comes from
- Property taxes 74%
- Fees & charges 13%
- From the state 4%
- Utility sales 4%
- From the federal government 2%
- Sales taxes 1%
- Other taxes & licenses 1%
- Interest, fines & other 1%
Who works for Essex
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2022. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Manchester Essex Regional School District
Essex's K–12 school district, shared with Manchester-by-the-Sea. The schools are run by Essex, so this money is part of the budget above.
Where the district's money comes from Massachusetts districts overall: 49% local, 43% state, 8% federal
- Local 79%
- State 19%
- Federal 3%
Of the $27,988 per pupil, $17,416 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
What homeowners in Essex pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Essex's government
Who represents Essex
Essex is represented in Congress by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Representative Seth Moulton. Maura Healey is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.