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Select Board approves 35% market adjustment to assessed values to secure 100% certification
Summary
The South Thomaston Select Board authorized a one-time, market-based 35% increase to assessed property values and directed the assessor to provide documentation so the town can certify property valuations at 100% this year; board discussed that a uniform increase would not raise tax bills if other factors remain constant and noted a contracted full reevaluation will complete by the 2027 commitment date.
The South Thomaston Select Board on May 20 moved to raise all property assessments by 35% this year through a market-based adjustment (partial revaluation) and to certify the town’s declaration at 100% for 2025. The motion also authorized the town’s assessor agent to submit supporting documentation to the state so the town can meet certification requirements.
Board members said the town’s current assessed values were materially outside the state’s acceptable range — the discussion characterized the gap as on the order of 30–70% depending on the measure used — and that the state suggested a 30% adjustment to restore certification. A member recommended a 35% raise to improve the chance the town would not need another adjustment next year, then moved the corresponding motion and the board seconded it.
A board member explained that if every property is increased by the same percentage, taxpayers’ bills do not change provided other variables remain the same because the mill rate would be adjusted accordingly. The Select Board also noted the town has a contracted full reevaluation that will not be completed until the commitment date based on April 1, 2027; members said the adjustment could still be needed again next year depending on sales and market behavior.
Following discussion, the board authorized the assessor to prepare and submit the documentation required to support the 35% market-based adjustment and 100% certification. The transcript records the motion passed by voice; it does not include a roll-call tally.
