BARTON, Property owners in Barton have received letters detailing their new property values after the townwide reassessment, prompting some residents to worry online about higher taxes. At the June 3 select board meeting, board members addressed the confusion.
Select board member Ted Gattino said he has seen many comments suggesting a misunderstanding of how town finances work. Board member Dee McDowell asked Clerk and Treasurer Kristin Atwood to clarify the effect of reappraisal on taxes.
Atwood explained that municipal taxes are straightforward: the budget is divided by the grand list. She noted that the grand list has nearly doubled while budgets have been level-funded, meaning the tax rate will be cut almost in half. She offered to speak privately with anyone about the statewide education tax.
The board’s discussion aimed to reassure residents that higher property values do not automatically mean higher taxes, as long as budgets remain stable.
Originally reported by The Barton Chronicle.
Photo: RDNE Stock project via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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