Winthrop Councilor DeRoss Resigns, Council Maintains Single Tax Rate

WINTHROP -- November 18, 2025, Winthrop Town Councilor Joe DeRoss resigned his Precinct 6 seat effective at the close of the November 18 meeting, citing expanded professional obligations, in an emotional farewell that capped a session of tax classification votes and a stormwater funding referral. The council voted unanimously on roll call to maintain a single uniform tax rate for fiscal year 2026, consultant Nate Kramer told the body the town's commercial base, at 6 percent of total assessed value, is too small to make a split rate worthwhile, with homeowner savings estimated at only $25 to $35 against business cost increases of $300 to $500. A second roll-call vote, passing seven to one with Councilor DeMarco dissenting, formally declined residential, open space, and small commercial exemptions. The council referred a $58,000 transfer from the Capital Stabilization Fund for Phase 3 stormwater engineering on Tildeson, Girlstone, and Pico Avenue to Finance Committee, with Town Manager Joe Marino noting a separate $200,000 seawall permitting cost still needs a funding source. DeRoss, who chaired the Finance Subcommittee and founded the town's Climate Advisory Commission, was credited by Council President Jim Letary with making "a lasting impact" during his two-year tenure.