WATERVILLE — Those who own property in Waterville can expect to receive tax bills within the next couple of weeks that reflect a 10 cent, or 0.5%, increase in the tax rate, according to City Manager Bryan Kaenrath.

The tax rate of $19.90 per $1,000 in assessed valuation increased to $20.

The increase means a homeowner whose property is valued at $100,000 and who paid $1,990 previously in taxes can expect to pay $2,000, a $10 increase.

Kaenrath told the City Council on Tuesday night that the new tax rate is less than what city officials projected. He said tax bills are to be mailed about Sept. 1.

The council took a final vote June 18 to approve a $62 million municipal, school and county operating budget for fiscal 2025 that represents an estimated increase of less than 1% to current spending.

At the time, Kaenrath estimated that with the approved budget, the increase in the tax rate would be about 15 cents, making it $20.05 per $1,000 in assessed valuation. He said a final tax rate would be calculated later in the summer.

The council took an initial vote June 4 to approve the budget. Councilors began discussions about the budget with a proposal that would have increased the tax rate by 30 or 40 cents per $1,000. But Council Chairwoman Rebecca Green, D-Ward 4, and Councilor Ken Gagnon, D-Ward 5, separately proposed amendments that would reduce the numbers in the proposal.

The approved spending plan includes $32.3 million for city schools, $28.4 million for the municipal budget and $1.35 million for Kennebec County.

Cost increases are reflected in fuel, vehicle parts, maintenance, personnel and other city needs, with personnel representing the largest expense, and increases built into labor contracts.