Plaistow tax rate up, but tax bills are down

Eric Parry

Nov. 5, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- PLAISTOW -- The tax rate is jumping about 12 percent for 2009, but most residents should see a decrease in their tax bills.

Properties in town were reassessed this summer and Town Manager Sean Fitzgerald said the average homeowner should see a reduction of about 5 percent to 8 percent in their property tax bills.SClBThe average homeowner paid $5,335 in taxes last year, but will pay $4,943 for 2009, according to Fitzgerald.

The 2009 tax rate is $23.95 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, which is up $2.65 from the 2008 rate of $21.30.

Overall, property values fell about 11 percent in the recent reassessment, according to Fitzgerald.

The town portion of the tax rate is $6.37, which Fitzgerald said could have been higher if town officials did not make serious concessions to trim spending in several areas.

The 2009 budget was reduced by about $350,000 last year, and no town employee received a raise or cost-of-living increase, the town manager said.

The town also collected less revenue over the last year, Fitzgerald said. Plaistow lost $50,000 in rent for the Plaistow District Court and another $50,000 from the state.

Funding for schools makes up the largest portion of the tax rate with $13.77 being paid to local schools and $2.72 going to the state education rate.

Tax bills should be arriving in residents' mailboxes soon and they are due by Dec. 1.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0379-39462143