UPTON — Residents of this northern Oxford County town will decide whether to fund the beginning of a property revaluation at town meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the old schoolhouse.

Assistant Town Clerk Jim Rector said the approximately 250 properties in town have not been reassessed for about 30 years.

Among the 25 articles calling for action is one asking to raise $8,500 from taxation and $8,500 from surplus to fund the first half of the revaluation. Rector said that if that is approved, work will begin this year. The second half of the funds needed will be requested at town meeting next year.

He said the total sum includes new tax maps and software.

If all money articles are passed, residents will approve a $256,634 budget. That figure includes school and Oxford County taxes, as well as municipal needs.

Although the 2011 total budget request is down slightly from the 2010 figure, Rector said the current tax rate of $7.50 per $1,000 of valuation may rise slightly. The new tax rate, if required, will be set later in the year.

Other articles include one asking for $3,000 to put in the school savings account. Last year, this college scholarship fund was established with $10,000.

Also, voters will decide whether to paint and replace windows at the schoolhouse and replace the roof at the Town Office.

Voters will also elect a selectman, town clerk, tax collector, treasurer and School Committee member.

Selectman Norman Mercier has said he will run for a second three-year term. Rector said all other officeholders intend to run again, including Town Clerk Michelle Bouchard, School Committee member Jennifer Casey and Rector, who is also tax collector and treasurer.

Taxes will be due by Sept. 30. Those not paid by the due date will be subject to 5 percent annual interest.

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