By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — The Town of Casco’s tax rate will increase by almost 35 cents.

On Tuesday, Town Assessor Rob Sutherland recommended a tax rate of $15.95 for Fiscal Year 2023-24. Essentially, in the role of assessor, Sutherland sets the tax rate.

Previously, the tax rate had been $15.66.

There will be a 1.85 percent increase in the mil rate, Casco Town Manager Tony Ward calculated.

“It went up slightly from last year. It means a $29 increase per every $100,000 on your property,” Ward said.

There was no discussion after Assessor Sutherland’s brief statements. Sutherland is employed by Cumberland County Regional Assessing.

It was not necessary for the Casco Board of Selectmen to vote on the mil rate.

“Under Maine law, the assessor is the one that sets the mil rate,” Ward said.

The tax bills start to be mailed to residents in late August with the first installment due in October. The second tax bill is due in April.