A stronger than expected real estate market is being credited for pushing Boothbay over the $1 billion mark in property valuation. Tax Assessor Mike O’Donnell reported Aug. 22 the recent revaluation is complete and reflects a $19 million increase in property values.

In May, O’Donnell reported Boothbay’s $952 million 2017 state valuation was likely “inflated” resulting in higher county taxes and lower municipal revenue sharing and educational state subsidies.  Selectmen approved spending $245,000 for the town’s first revaluation in 12 years. But after O’Donnell & Associates completed revaluating over 3,500 Boothbay parcels this summer, the town's valuation increased about $19 million from the $282 million calculated in 2006.

Mike O’Donnell has served as municipal tax assessor for 10 years. He is also an associate with John E. O’Donnell & Associates which specializes in property tax assessment, equalization and  mapping. He thought the revaluation would reduce Boothbay’s past local and state valuations. But once O’Donnell began looking at recent sales data, it showed a small valuation increase. “I think the numbers are pretty good. A lot of people saw their taxes go down which accomplished our goal, but the overall strength of the mid-markets was surprising,” he said.

Even though tax bills have been mailed, O’Donnell is still reviewing revaluations with residents. So far, approximately 250 residents have appealed their new tax bills mailed in July. Selectman Chuck Cunningham characterized the low number as being “remarkable.” He compared it to the controversy caused by the 2006 revaluation. “As you remember, the last revaluation didn’t go so well, and, that’s a testament to you building a relationship with the property owners,” he said.

In other action, selectmen said they are seeking joint meetings on the region’s future. The board wants a joint meeting with Boothbay Harbor selectmen and the Joint Economic Development Committee to review possible grant opportunities for increasing broadband cable in the region.

Boothbay officials will host two organizations, Connect Maine and Island Institute, about seeking grants to fill in the region's broadband gaps. Selectman Kristina Ford has contacted both organizations who agreed to participate in a presentation identifying grant sources. Boothbay will contact the other boards for a meeting date.

Boothbay selectmen also want their Boothbay Harbor counterparts and Community School District trustees to discuss the long term future of local education.  CSD trustees reported this month about an at least $8 million cost for upgrading the local elementary and high school buildings. 

Selectman Dale Harmon attended the trustees’ Aug. 15 meeting. He reported the trustees wanted community input about the schools’ future. “They want to put everything on the table,” Harmon said. “They want to know what the community wants to do. Personally, if you close the schools, then you can put a swinging gate on Route 27 because no young families would ever move here,” he said.

But Selectman Mike Tomacelli thought a community meeting was a good idea. “The estimated future enrollment figures are not good. Unless something changes, I think we should at least discuss what our options are,” Tomacelli said.

Selectmen would like to hold the community discussion on a night not conflicting with a regularly scheduled board meeting.

Selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12 in the municipal conference room.