The Town of Wareham’s tax rate has officially been set – ahead of schedule and slightly less than last year’s assessment.

On Friday, Town Administrator Derek Sullivan announced that the new rate of $11.25 per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value was set on Nov. 17 for fiscal year 2017, which begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2017.

The new rate marks an 11 cent decrease from the previous year due to an increase in property values, said Sullivan.

Even though property values are up, Sullivan explained that a state law, known as Proposition 2 1/2, prohibits towns from raising taxes more than 2 1/2 percent each year.

Rates for the Wareham Fire District increased by 3 cents to $2.20 per $1,000 compared to last year. Onset Fire’s rate remained the same at $2.73 per $1,000.

With help from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Assistance Program, Sullivan said finance officials established the tax rate before 75 percent of the state’s cities and towns. The program is designed to foster communication and establish deadlines during the tax rate process.

Wareham is one of 32 communities enrolled.

“The help and coordination that we receive from our representatives is excellent. They even come on site to work with us and make sure that we are on the right path,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan also credited Wareham finance officials.

“It’s another indication that the finance team is doing an excellent job,” said Sullivan.