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Resident raises speeding and large tax increase at public comment; town manager explains revaluation timing and budget process
Summary
A resident urged the council to address neighborhood speeding and questioned a recent 28% tax increase; the town manager explained the 10‑year state revaluation requirement and described budget and mill‑rate timing for tax bills.
At public comment, resident George McMuller of Portland Street told the council that speeding and late‑night noise are a long‑standing problem on his street and that he and neighbors feel enforcement has been inconsistent. McMuller also said his property tax bill rose about 28% and asked why the increase was so large. Town Manager Tim responded that setting budgets (municipal and school) occurs in spring and that the council sets the mill rate later; he explained that if property values rise, taxpayers can pay more even if the mill rate falls. Tim also said state law requires periodic revaluations and that the town was behind on its schedule, producing a larger revaluation shift now as the town works to return to a 10‑year cycle. Tim apologized for the hardship and urged residents to engage during the February–March budget process if they want to influence rates. No formal council action was taken at the meeting on either enforcement or tax policy.
