The Harpswell Select Board set the 2023 tax rate at $6.10 per $1,000 of valuation, 20 cents higher than last year, on Aug. 10.
The 3.4% hike will help the town absorb an 8.6% increase in its share of the 2023-24 budget for Maine School Administrative District 75, which totals just more than $10 million; and a 9.3% increase in the municipal budget, which is about $6.9 million.
In addition to expenses for education and town services, the tax rate is affected by the county tax, the use of surplus from previous years and the value of new construction, among other considerations.
The tax rate was $6.74 in 2020 and $6.76 in 2021 before the drop to $5.90 in 2022, after adjustments to property assessments. Harpswell’s high property values help it maintain the lowest tax rate among Cumberland County’s 28 municipalities.
Tax payments are due in two installments, on Sept. 15 and Dec. 15. Bills are expected to be mailed no later than Aug. 18.
