The Town of Wareham's tax rate has been set.

“A little past 10 a.m. today, we received word [from the Department of Revenue] that the tax has been set for the town," Interim Town Administrator Derek Sullivan told the Selectmen on Tuesday.

For 2013, the town of Wareham has a rate of $10.47 per $1,000 of a home's assessed value. There is an additional $2.05 assessed for properties in the Wareham Fire District, and an additional $2.57 assessed for properties in the Onset Fire District.

In 2012, the rate for the town was $9.37 per $1,000. The additional rate for the Wareham Fire District was $1.88, and $1.93 for the Onset Fire District.

The rate is the same for residential and commercial properties.

“All of the town is in one or the other district,” said Director of Assessment Elsa Miller.

The tax rate for 2013 had to be set before January 1, so that tax bills can be sent out on time. If the rate had not been set on time, Wareham would have had to borrow money to cover expenses.

“I would hope policies will be put in place so we’ll be well prepared for any deadline the DOR gives us,” said Selectman Ellen Begley. “I’m going to keep on beating the policies and procedures drum.”

Selectman Alan Slavin praised Sullivan, saying: “It’s an almost impossible task that was done.”