POLAND – Plans to redo the math on local taxes – with new values assessed for every property in town – will be the subject of a meeting Monday night.

Town leaders and assessing firm John E. O’Donnell & Associates of New Gloucester will answer questions and try to explain the need for a revaluation.

The problem is that property tax bills are based on the value of properties, and those values haven’t been kept current.

According to the state, Poland properties are being valued at an average of 56 percent of their real value. The percentage falls well below state rules, which attempt to keep valuation at no less than 70 percent.

The numbers are especially askew in waterfront properties, many of which are being taxed at 35 percent of their value. Landlocked properties tended to be valued at closer to their market value, Town Manager Dana Lee said.

“There is a huge disparity and huge inequity,” Lee said Friday.

Some people may see dramatic hikes in their tax bills. Others will see a decline.

The revaluation is meant to ensure properties are being taxed fairly. It is not meant to produce a dime of new revenue for the town, Lee said.

He plans to hold down town expenses to prevent the municipal tax levy from climbing. School officials have also vowed no tax increase.

If the change is not made, taxpayers could be punished by the state, with less aid in the form of homestead exemptions or for tree growth on properties.