China select board sets tax rate at .01170 mils

by Mary Grow

China select board members have set the 2025-26 tax rate at .01170 mils, or $11.70 for each $1,000 of property valuation, as recommended by assessor William Van Tuinen.

Meeting Aug. 25 in their capacity as assessors, after the special town meeting and before their meeting as a select board, they listened to Van Tuinen’s explanation, asked a few questions and unanimously adopted the rate.

It is the same as last year’s, Van Tuinen said, and the town has not adjusted its valuation. Therefore residents whose property is unchanged should expect to pay about the same amount as in 2024-25.

By town meeting vote, the first half tax payment is due at the town office by the close of business Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Van Tuinen’s report listed the three main expenditures the taxes will help cover: China’s share of the Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 budget, a little over $5.989 million; municipal expenditures approved by town meeting voters, a little over $4.812 million; and the Kennebec County tax, $809,689.

Reconvening as the select board, members approved the warrant for the Nov. 4 local election. China voters will choose two select board members and one member of the RSU #18 board. Signed nomination papers must be returned to the town office by the close of business Friday, Sept. 5, for candidates’ names to appear on the ballot.

As of Tuesday, Aug. 26, no papers had been returned, Town Clerk Angela Nelson said. Cathy Bourque, Brent Chesley, Gordon Riordan and Gail Tibbetts had papers out for two seats on the select board. Incumbent Dawn Castner and Heather Neal had papers for the RSU board.

Select board members unanimously approved buying a new “can” – roll-off waste container – for the transfer station, from Thompson Fabrication, LLC, in Wheatland, Pennsylvania, for $13,414, including shipping.

They approved a catered event for Maine People’s Alliance on Sept. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m., at 901 Neck Road.

All China municipal departments will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, for the Labor Day holiday. The next regular select board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8.