HARPSWELL

The Town of Harpswell has increased its mil rate by 2.56 percent for 2016, which effectively sets the tax rate at $6.40 for every $1,000 in assessed value–up from $6.24. That comes to an additional $16 for every $100,000 in assessed value.

One of the reasons given for the mil rate increase was the removal of the pump house from the pier at Mitchell Field last month. The dilapidated pier has been fenced off for years, after a 2012 engineering study found it to be unsafe. The pump house is only the latest structure on the pier to collapse, after another man-made structure fell in 2012.

Removal of the pump house, which had separated from the pier itself, cost $75,000, but the removal of the rest of the pier will be a much more expensive project. The town has plans to replace the deteriorating pier with a boat launch. The mil rate increase will also cover other capital projects, such as roads.

Still, even with the 2.56 percent rate increase, Harpswell has the lowest tax rate in all of Cumberland County and the surrounding communities at $6.40. Neighboring Brunswick has a rate of $20.70, West Bath has a rate of $10.40, and Phippsburg has a rate of $8.56 as of 2015. According to 2014 tax data, the latest available from Maine Revenue Services, the Cumberland County average mil rate was $15.52- -nearly double Harpswell’s rate.

The first installment of tax payments for Harpswell property owners is due Sept. 15, with a second installment due Dec. 15.

nstrout@timesrecord.com