New valuation reduces property tax increase for Lewiston residents
Jul. 26—LEWISTON — City officials are hailing Lewiston's annual property valuation review as good news for taxpayers.
On Friday, details were released of what taxpayers can expect when bills go out next month.
Instead of a tax rate increase of $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, the increase will be 24 cents, owing to new valuation from large projects, including Central Maine Medical Center's new Cancer Care Center.
Because owners of the projects will be paying more in taxes, the rate can be reduced for all taxpayers.
"I am pleased to share that our total valuation continued to increase this year by $89.8 million," City Administrator Heather Hunter said Friday. "With this additional 4.27% increase in valuation, the city of Lewiston's tax rate has reduced significantly."
Prior to the valuation review, the tax rate was set at $29.51. The rate will now be $28.50.
Hunter added that the department underwent a software conversion and offered praise to the assessing staff for completing the valuation commitment in a timely manner.
City property tax payments are due Sept. 15.
The following list of valuation increases was provided by William Healey, the city's chief assessor:
— New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) — $31.4 million
— CMMC's Cancer Care Center — $8.6 million
— Central Maine Power Co. — $3.3 million
— Unitil — $1.7 million
— Gauvreau Place — $1.6 million
— Federal Distributors — $1.3 million
— Gendron Realty — $1.47 million
— Butler Brothers — $495,000
— Residential new construction — $5 million
