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Belfast council sets mill rate at $15.40 after revaluation; vote 3–1
Summary
Following a citywide revaluation that raised taxable valuation, the council voted 3–1 to set the 2024–25 mill rate at $15.40 per $1,000 of valuation; staff had recommended the middle option ($15.50) to preserve an overlay for anticipated abatements, but a majority favored the lower rate to limit tax increases.
Finance staff presented three mill-rate options after a full revaluation and a large rise in taxable valuation. The assessment process increased the city’s taxable valuation substantially and staff recommended a mid-range mill rate ($15.50) to preserve an overlay in case of increased abatement requests.
Council debate centered on balancing homeowner impacts against the office’s caution about unknown abatements in a revaluation year. One councilor argued for the lowest practical rate to ease taxpayer burden; another emphasized the staff recommendation and the need for an overlay to protect the budget. After discussion, the council voted 3–1 to set the mill rate at $15.40.
City manager and finance staff emphasized that while the city sets the mill rate, much of a property tax bill is driven by the school district and county portions of the bill, and a revaluation year may generate more abatement claims than a typical year. Staff will finalize commitment paperwork following the council action and will send final bills consistent with the adopted mill rate.
