FORT KENT, Maine — Aroostook County Commissioners on Wednesday approved a total $14.64 million tax commitment for all Aroostook communities. This total is up $2.09 million from last year’s $12.55 million commitment.
Out of the county’s communities, New Limerick and Limestone saw the largest increases, with their overall valuations increasing by a respective $60 million and $41.65 million.
New Limerick’s overall valuation increased to a total of $275 million this year.
County Administrator Ryan Pelletier said he recently spoke with New Limerick officials and learned that the town’s increases are a result of the state increasing the town’s valuation from roughly $130 million to $275 million. He said the impact wasn’t quite as bad for the town as the increase is taking place over the course of two years. The town’s valuation went from $133.75 million in 2023 to $215 million in 2024 and then to $275 million this year.
Limestone’s valuation increased by $41.65 million, from $93.3 million last year to $134.95 million this year. Limestone’s county taxes increased from $173,911 last year to $265,852 this year.
Commissioners discussed whether or not they should meet with the town of Limestone to discuss the factors contributing to its increase. They said some of this is attributable to the Loring Development Authority selling 450 acres and 150,000 square feet of buildings to Green 4 Maine, LLC in 2023.
As a result of the sale, this property went from non-taxable to taxable. And because solar panels are being housed at this property for projects planned across the state, Maine has counted this inventory towards Limestone’s state valuation. Once the panels leave the town, they will no longer be counted as part of the town’s valuation, commissioners said.
Limestone Interim Town Manager Alan Mulherin said the valuation of property the Green 4 Maine bought from LDA was $6.72 million and that it is a relatively small part of the state’s overall $41 million increase in valuation.
“It’s not entirely a function of Green 4 Maine having purchased the property from LDA,” Mulherin said. “It also takes into account some other factors that the state looks at.”
Mulherin said Green 4 Maine will pay roughly $220,000 in taxes this year.
The town manager said one of the most significant factors behind the increase is that Limestone has not had a revaluation in 24 years.
“We’re in the process of doing that,” he said, “but each year you do not beyond the 10 years you’re supposed to do it, the state of Maine begins to essentially penalize you for that by lowering your certified ratio.”
This results in getting less money in state revenue sharing, the homestead exemption and veterans exemptions.
Overall, the total valuation for cities, towns and plantations in Aroostook County is $6.49 billion with a total taxable value of $12.79 million. The total valuation for unorganized places is $940.2 million with a total taxable value of $1.85 million. The total combined valuation in Aroostook County is $7.43 billion.
Commissioners voted in favor of approving the commitment. Taxes are due on Sept. 1, and interest starts accruing 60 days after the due date.
