WALES – With an increase in the school budget and the need of a property revaluation, taxpayers will see a tax-rate increase this year.
Selectman Randy Greenwood said if the town warrant articles pass as written at Saturday’s annual town meeting, the rate is going up.
“We set the mill rate based on what the townspeople vote on,” he said. “We as selectmen don’t spend the money, we only release it.”
Currently, property assessments are 61 percent of market value, which is below what the state requires.
The warrant asks taxpayers to raise and appropriate $15,000 to pay for a revaluation of property in 2008. If passed, the money would be combined with the estimated $31,000 already set aside for that purpose.
“We are told it will cost $70,000 to do our revaluation,” Greenwood said. “Once that is done, our mill rate will improve.”
The school budget also has an effect on the rising tax rate. To receive the $1,595,328 from the state’s Essential Programs and Services Funding Act the town will have to raise and appropriate $339,333 for grades kindergarten to eight at the Wales Central School.
This year, the school board is also asking townspeople to raise an additional $2,086,168 for local funding.
“If the school board and the superintendent don’t explain the increase then I would recommend to vote this down,” Greenwood said. “But I suspect they will give a detailed breakdown at town meeting.”
Another increase may occur this year with the town’s new plan to change its tax collector, treasurer and town clerk position from elected stipend positions to hourly-wage employees.
“That is why when people look at the town budget they will see an additional $20,800 this year,” Greenwood said. “We were able to come up with some estimated figures by talking to the people who work in the positions now to give us an idea of how many hours they put in.”
Nominations for selectman will be taken from the floor to of the meeting. Chairman Paul Burgess’ term is ending.
Residents will vote on candidates to fill a three-year term on the school board and three three-year terms on the Planning Board. Residents will also have a chance to name candidates to fill positions on the Budget Committee and Board of Appeals.
The town meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Wales Central School.
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