Auburn Select Board rejects 2022 single-tax-rate policy in four-member vote

AUBURN -- November 24, 2025, Auburn Select Board voted 2-2 to reject a 2022 policy directing the town toward a single property tax rate, effectively ending its standing as board policy. Vice Chair Todd M. Kirrane, who writes policies professionally, argued the document expired with the board "as constituted on March 14, 2022" and should not bind current or future members; member Daniel S. Carpenter, one of two original supporters still seated, agreed the policy "does not fit the moment." The board unanimously tasked the Economic Development Committee with developing objective criteria for future tax classification votes, with a status report due by February 2026. Also at the November 24 meeting, the board formed a two-member subcommittee, Kirrane and Chair Anne M. Cavanaugh, to develop a new town manager review process by the second meeting of March 2026, approved business licenses for Sunrise and Subs at the Auburn Mall and Jiffy Lube number 884 on South Street, and declared aging Auburn Public Library computer equipment surplus for secure disposal.