Jefferson Select Board sets 2025 mil rate, residents voice concern about tax impact

The Jefferson Select Board voted Aug. 25, 2025 to set the town’s mil rate at 0.014750 and an overlay of $23,023.26 as part of committing 2025 taxes.

Lynne presented five mil-rate options to the board. After discussion the board made and seconded a motion to adopt the 0.014750 rate with the stated overlay; the motion was recorded as passed 2-0. The board earlier approved the meeting minutes for Aug. 11, 2025 by a 2-0 vote.

Several residents during the public-comment portion raised concerns about higher taxes. Lisa Hodgkins said she worried the mil rate would increase because the town must use school budget figures when committing taxes, which could affect residents on fixed incomes. "Some of the residents are on a fixed income and would not be able to afford the tax increase," Richard Parlin asked to have on record.

Board members explained the town is following state law on which school budget figures to use when committing taxes and noted that if the school budget ultimately passes at a lower amount any surplus would be returned to taxpayers. Wayne Parlin, who also serves on the school committee, suggested constituents contact their state representatives and recommended the school pursue additional state funding to reduce pressure on property taxpayers.

The board also approved the Town Expense Warrant for $163,024.15 later in the meeting.

The board did not change the commitment timeline at the meeting; members said they would continue to monitor the school budget outcomes and any state-level options to assist taxpayers.