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Readfield board signs annual tax commitment, assesses a broad rise in valuations
Summary
The Readfield Select Board approved the town’s annual order for tax collection under 36 MRSA §906 and completed the tax commitment; assessors said overall assessed values rose about 16% year‑over‑year and billing will begin this week.
The Readfield Select Board on Tuesday approved the town’s annual order on the collection of taxes under 36 MRSA paragraph 906 and finalized the 2025 tax commitment, moving the town into the billing phase.
The board heard from the chair of the board of assessors, who said assessors met earlier in the day to complete the commitment and that the town has seen a broad increase in assessed values — roughly 16% year‑over‑year — driven by market activity. The assessors and town staff emphasized that a rise in valuation does not automatically mean higher tax bills for every property because the mill rate adjusts to meet the town’s voted budget.
Town Manager Eric (staff) and the assessors outlined next steps for taxpayers: billing will proceed as required by statute and the town expects mailed bills either later this week or early next week, depending on the third‑party mailing vendor. The assessors said taxpayers will have the customary opportunity to review data and request adjustments once valuation details are posted; the town’s assessing firm will provide time for in‑person reviews during the revaluation process.
The board also discussed the town’s upcoming revaluation (expected to be applied in fiscal 2027), communication plans for taxpayers and an insert for the tax mailing that will highlight tax‑relief programs and town services such as the household hazardous waste collection. “Once we have the commitment completed we move on to billing,” the chair of the assessors said, noting the town’s intent to get bills out promptly.
The motion to adopt the collection order and accept the assessors’ commitment passed unanimously. The board directed staff to include informational materials with tax bills and to post updated parcel and valuation data on the town portal when available.
What happens next: the town will print and mail bills; residents who wish to review assessments may contact the assessor’s office to schedule an appointment. The revaluation schedule and detailed communication plan will be shared when finalized.
