Auburn Select Board Lowers Commercial Tax Split Factor to 1.08 for Fiscal 2026

AUBURN -- November 10, 2025, Auburn Select Board lowered its commercial-to-residential tax split factor from 1.09 to 1.08 for fiscal year 2026, passing 4-1 on a recast motion by Vice Chair Todd M. Kirrane. The board's maximum allowable levy for fiscal 2026 is $60,459,476, including a roughly $1.429 million debt exclusion, with the average single-family tax bill projected at $6,284 against a statewide average of $7,730. Chair Anne M. Cavanaugh cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that commercial and industrial taxpayers would pay no more than in fiscal 2024 while residents absorb an average increase exceeding $200. The board unanimously renewed the small commercial tax exemption at its maximum 10 percent. A framework proposal from resident Eric Riches to activate underutilized town assets, including an empty kitchen at Eddie Pond, through an Economic Development and Industrial Corporation was referred to the Economic Development Committee, with Kirrane asking that all town meeting members be notified when it reaches the agenda.