By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — The Town of Casco is preparing for the inevitable — doing a complete property revaluation to bring the land values in line with the real estate market.

If the town does not do a revaluation and the assessed values drop to less than 70% of the market value, state law will force it to do so. 

Also, if the town’s assessed values are at less than 70% of market value, then Casco residents lose the Homestead Exemption, according to Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward.  

During the 2022-23 budget season, half the estimated cost for a revaluation was ear-marked for that purpose and approved by voters at annual town meeting. 

In mid-November, the Casco Board of Selectmen discussed the two bids and decided to schedule interviews with the two companies before making a decision. 

The bids were revealed: RK Valuation Advisory could do the job for $220,000; Vision Government Solutions proposed a cost of $257,000.

Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward had invited the town’s assessor to provide the board with some insight since he has worked with the two companies.

“It comes down to $10 per parcel cost difference,” according to Cumberland County Regional Assessing Director/Assessor Ben Thompson.

Thompson stressed the importance of standing behind the revaluation outcomes.

“If we hire a revaluation company, we should stick firm to those values. There are going to be a lot of complaints. There is going to be pushback,” he told the board.  

He had worked with both companies. For the most recent revaluations, Regional Assessing used Vision Government. He cited excellent communication and a bigger staff as reason to use Vision. 

“We are living in a different world. With COVID behind us, there are still problems with retaining employees. Government Solutions has 55 appraisers on their payroll. They experienced workers not showing up, walking off the job. They were able to bring appraisers from Connecticut,” Thompson said.

“Communication is vital. Between us, between you guys, between the public, and definitely with the company. I was on the phone a few times a week. The communication aspect is there” with Government Solutions, he said. 

“I had communication problems with the other company. It is an hour away from Portland,” he said. 

RK offers a posting of information, he said. However, the town uses the same software as Vision, which makes it easier for both staff and the public, he said. 

Selectman Scott Avery spoke.

“The biggest goal is to realize that we are doling a revaluation. Let’s make it as smooth as we can make it. We don’t need the excessive headaches if you are dealing with the wrong company,” Avery said. 

Chairman Robert MacDonald asked the selectmen, “Do we want to continue with interview process of two applicants? Or do we want to award the bid based on recommendations?” 

Selectman Avery favored making a decision that night. 

“I want this to go smooth as possible. I would be comfortable with Vision. That is who they want to work with,” he said.

Selectman Grant Plummer expressed concern about the price. 

“It is $37,000 difference,” he said.

He asked if the interview process would change the timeframe to start the reval. Ward said no it would not. 

Ward pointed out that in the Referrals for Proposals (RFPs) “there was a description that interviews will be held.” 

The selectmen are scheduled to meet on Dec. 6, with the understanding that if there is more business to address, they will meet again on Dec. 20. It was unknown whether interviews of the revaluation firms would occur next month in December or next year in January.