Bristol Tax Rate Reaches Six-Year Low

The Bristol Board of Selectmen, at its May 30 meeting, set the 2012 mil rate at $7.60.

“Last time we were that low was in 2006, when the mil rate was $7.55,” Bristol Town Administrator Kristine Poland said.

The mil rate determines the property tax per $1000 of assessed value. A Bristol property owner with a home and land valued at $100,000, for example, would receive a $760 property tax bill.

The selectmen said the rate will allow the town to maintain an auditor-recommended surplus of more than $900,000. A healthy surplus also means the town does not have to borrow a tax anticipation note.

FireworksThe selectmen, in response to a question from a member of the Bristol Fireworks Advisory Committee, said they cannot impose a moratorium on the use of fireworks.

Chairman Chad Hanna said the selectmen reached this conclusion after asking the Maine Municipal Association for a legal opinion.

Hanna paraphrased the organization’s response. “This year, you’ll have to live with state law” while continuing to develop a possible ordinance, he said.

Little Beach parkingThe selectmen, after several weeks of discussion, approved the purchase of olive drab parking barricades for seasonal placement at Little Beach.

Illegal parking adjacent to the beach has been a perennial issue for the town and nearby residents. Last year, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office installed bright orange barricades. The barricades were effective, but residents complained about the aesthetics of the solution.

The selectmen also approved the expenditure of approximately $400 for a power washer.

PavingMarriner Paving will start paving Long Cove, Martha Beck and Pemaquid Harbor roads Monday, June 11 and finish by June 29, Selectman Bill Benner said.