The level of local property taxation in a community is based on the cost of municipal operation, the local contribution to operate the schools, and the tax levied by the county. From that total cost we deduct projected revenues (other than Property taxes) and the resulting number equates to the tax rate applied for the fiscal year. About 60% of Dexter's total funding needs are paid by property taxes, with the remaining 36% covered by a variety of local revenue sources, grants, and state reimbursements. Out of each municipal dollar earmarked in the FY 20012 budget, we will spend about 64 cents to operate the Town, 33 cents to contribute to the operation of the local school district, and 3 cents goes to county government.

The Municipal property tax rate for the period July 2001 - June 2002 has been set at 20.7 mils, a rate which represents a 0.2 mil increase over last year. This equates to $20.70 of property tax levied on each $1,000 of assessed value on your property. For example, if you have property that the Town has assessed at a value of $100,000, you will be paying about $2,070 in property taxes for this tax cycle. That's a $20 increase in property taxes on a home valued at $100,000. If you note that the tax on your property has changed, it is likely that the assessment has be adjusted during the course of the year, and you may want to check with the Tax Assessor to determine the extent of change.

This year will be the first increase in property taxes in Dexter since 1997. and when you consider the dramatic increase in some of our operating costs its impressive that we were able to hold the increase at such a modest level while retaining the necessary services to support the community. In fact, the Town government was successful in achieving a 1.5% ($42,000) decrease in the cost of operating local government. Unfortunately, at the same time, our total revenue projections for this fiscal year are below last year's level, while Dexter's share for funding the school district increased by nearly 9% ($113,584).

Over the past several years the demand on the tax dollar to support municipal services, education, and the county have continued to increase. This trend will undoubtedly continue during the coming years; however, the Town leadership has made every effort to achieve the often difficult task of keeping taxes at a manageable level while continuing to provide for daily services and posture the community for future growth and development.

If you have questions concerning this year's taxes, please contact Marilyn Curtis, the Tax Collector or David Pearson, our Tax Assessor.