BUCKFIELD — Selectmen on Tuesday set the fiscal 2016-17 tax rate at $21.52 per $1,000 of assessed value, according to Town Manager Cindy Dunn.
“Although the 2016-17 recommended mill rate is a 72-cent increase from last year, the increased $5,000 Homestead Exemption value decreases the enrolled taxpayers’ taxable assessment by that $5,000, resulting in a minimal tax dollar increase,” Dunn wrote in correspondence to assessors. “However, the properties not enrolled or not eligible to enroll in the Homestead Exemption will see an increase ranging from $125 to $1,285 in their 2016-17 tax bill.”
Assessors had originally met Tuesday, Oct. 4, when they approved a number of valuations and exemptions. But software glitches delayed action on the tax rate.
“I have encountered some bugs, if you will, in the appraisal software program,” Dunn told assessors last week.
She added the software put phantom houses on some properties that did not have one. She worked with tech support to clear up the problem.
Before recessing their Oct. 4 meeting, assessors unanimously:
• Approved the tree growth valuations, effective April 1, of $,679,400.74 for 5,669 tree growth acres;
• Approved the farm and open space valuation of $281,517 for 963 acres;
• Approved veterans’ exemptions; and
• Approved the land valuation.
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