Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Tax Commitment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Durham board adopts municipal tax commitment recommending $25.50 mill rate
Summary
At its Aug. 11 meeting the Durham Select Board accepted a municipal tax commitment recommending a $25.50 mill rate and a $26,000 overlay; the board unanimously approved the measure and staff will finalize tax bills for mailing with Oct. 15 and April 15 payment dates.
The Durham Select Board voted unanimously Aug. 11 to accept the municipal tax commitment that recommends a $25.50 mill rate for the coming year.
Donna, speaking for the board of assessors, said the town "picked up $5,400,000 in new value" this year and that current assessments are at about 47% of market value, with a full revaluation planned for next year to bring assessments to 100% of market value. "I'd like to recommend that we go with the $25.50," Donna said, adding the higher option provides an overlay cushion against large abatements.
The board discussed the overlay and the effect of revaluation on mill rates. Donna explained the $25.50 option would produce an overlay of roughly $26,000, while the alternate $25.45 rate yields a smaller overlay. "That means if I have an abatement in a value of $256,000 or more, I have blown the overlay," Donna said, urging the board to consider the risk of large abatements.
Josh moved to accept the recommended option and John seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Chair noted the board "can sign this here" and Donna said staff will prepare bills for mailing so residents receive a single tax bill with two payment dates — Oct. 15 and April 15.
The measure is framed as a stopgap until the planned revaluation next year, which assessors said should reduce the town's mill rate when valuations reach 100% of market value. The board did not record individual roll-call tallies in the public remarks beyond noting the motion passed unanimously.
