West Tisbury is considering a new program to address rising property taxes. 

The board of assessors presented a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) program to the select board during a select board meeting Wednesday. Under this program, tax-exempt organizations could opt in to make voluntary payments to the town in lieu of paying taxes.  

Implementing this optional program would lower the burden of town taxpayers, according to town assessor MacGregor Anderson. In fiscal year 2025, town taxpayers paid an additional $1.7 million in property taxes. 

“We were looking at tax policy starting two years ago and looking at a lot of different options,” he said. “PILOTs are just another thing to consider and to help the underlying problem.” 

A letter will be sent out to organizations that fall under this category. These organizations include the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society and Polly Hill Arboretum. Religious institutions would be exempt from the program. 

Mr. Anderson noted that Boston and other communities in the state implement this program. The board suggested organizations paying at 10 per cent of the organization’s assessed property value. That rate isn’t fixed and can be adjusted year by year.  

Select board vice chair Jeffrey (Skipper) Manter voiced his support for the program. 

“I think 10 per cent is a good place to start and see what happens,” he said. “We have to start looking for other revenue besides raising taxes every day.” 

The board of assessors will host public information sessions to hear feedback and answer questions.