For another year, Woolwich’s property tax rate is $15.40 per $1,000 dollars of assessed valuation. The rate has remained unchanged since 2020. The selectboard set the rate Monday afternoon, Sept. 18 after meeting with accountant William Brewer of Bath and assessing agent Juanita Wilson-Hennessey.

David King Sr., selectboard chairman, told Wiscasset Newspaper revenue-wise the town had had a pretty good year. “We took in $828,612 in excise taxes from motor vehicle registrations and another $80,000 in building permits most of which was for the new solar farm on Nequasset Road.” Headed into the meeting the selectboard was hoping to keep the 2023 tax rate at its current level, King added.

“We were concerned because we didn’t know for sure what the impact would be from the Property Tax Stabilization Act,” added Selectman Jason Shaw. The stabilization program, enacted by the Maine Legislature in August 2022, was repealed in July but remains in effect this year for residents 65 and older who had applied and qualified for the program. Shaw said the town office had 262 applicants for the program.

“I’m happy the board was able to keep our mil rate where it’s at at least for another year,” Shaw added.

Brewer said the town’s taxable valuation of real estate and personal property totaled $390,048,600. Woolwich received $172,843 in homestead reimbursement and $96,444 in the Business Equipment Tax Exemption Program (BETA) funds. On Brewer’s recommendation, the board set this year’s overlay at $164,258, a little less than in 2022. The overlay serves as a cash reserve account providing a backup source of money to cover abatements and unexpected shortfalls in property tax revenue.

“For the past three years your office staff has been able to collect 98% of the town’s property taxes. That’s really very commendable on their part,” said Brewer.

Town office hours to change

Beginning on Oct. 2, the town office will be adjusting its office hours. The office will be open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.