Newcastle will pay its share of the 2015-16 the Lincoln County tax commitment.

But, they still want an official explanation as to why it's set to increase almost 9 percent.

Newcastle will see its share of the county tax commitment grow from $343,000 in 2014-15 to $373,800 in next year's budget. The $29,000 increase represents an 8.68 percent increase.

“I sat on the budget advisory committee, and it was only supposed to be a moderate increase,” Newcastle Selectman Christopher Doherty said.

In the end, the board narrowly agreed, 3-2, to sign the county tax commitment. Selectmen Pat Hudson and Doherty voted against signing the commitment.

“They used to come and talk to us, and would at least explain why our taxes went up,” Hudson said.

Taxes are scheduled to increase throughout the county, as the total tax commitment for the upcoming year is $9.1 million. The county budget covers multiple agencies, such as the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and a portion of Two Bridges Regional Jail (which is also funded by Sagadahoc County).

Taxes are determined by property evaluation.