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Belfast sets 2025–26 mill rate at 16.34 after council discussion
Summary
After review of three options, the council adopted a middle mill‑rate option (16.34) to provide modest overlay and avoid large future swings; the vote was 5–0 and staff will incorporate the rate in property tax commitments.
Belfast City Council adopted the 2025–26 property tax mill rate at 16.34 on Aug. 5, 2025, voting 5–0 after a presentation by city assessor Steve Weeds.
Weeds explained the three recommended options and the mechanics of homestead and BETE reimbursements from the state. "I recommended the middle number, which was 16.34," the assessor said, citing the desire to provide a modest buffer while limiting large year‑to‑year increases.
Council discussion cited a difficult budget year that included an approximately $800,000 increase passed through from RSU 71; councilors described using stabilization and undesignated fund balance to moderate the tax burden and noted the need to maintain reserves for potential expense shocks.
Councilors praised staff work on tightening the budget and said the middle option balanced immediate taxpayer impact with risk mitigation. The motion to adopt the middle mill rate passed 5–0.
Separately, the council set delinquent tax interest at 7.5% and established the fiscal-year due dates for property taxes as Oct. 20, 2025, and March 2, 2026.
