Bangor property revaluation is expected to take two years
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Thirty-seven years after its last revaluation, the city of Bangor is getting ready for an update that will appraise more than 11,000 real estate parcels.
Thirty-seven years after its last revaluation, the city of Bangor is getting ready for an update that will appraise more than 11,000 real estate parcels.
The two-year revaluation project will begin in June, in an effort to collect more accurate property data and to correct disproportionate taxes by valuing all property at fair market values as of April 1, 2026.
State law requires that municipalities perform revaluations whenever the ratio of assessment to sales price drops below 70%. The city narrowly meets Maine’s minimum assessing standards, in part because it’s relying on property data that in some cases date back to the 1980s.
Residents are encouraged to attend informational sessions designed to explain the revaluation and answer questions.
Two sessions are scheduled:
- May 30, 6 p.m., Downeast School at 100 Moosehead Blvd.
- June 11, at 6 p.m., William S. Cohen School at 304 Garland St.
A third session will be scheduled for a later time with a remote option.
The city contracted with KRT Appraisal in Haverhill, Mass., to conduct the revaluation. Data collectors with the firm will identify themselves to property owners and carry identification. Their vehicles will be marked with an “Assessor’s Office” magnet. Notices will be sent to residents a couple of weeks in advance that provide an approximate date for when KRT will be in their neighborhood.
KRT will knock on all doors where it’s conducting an inspection, and any property without an inspection will receive a letter requesting a call for an appointment. Representatives with KRT will only enter a home or property if an adult is present.
In addition to property owners, tenants also should be aware that data collectors will be knocking on their doors for an inspection, which generally doesn’t take long.
Other city projects
The revaluation comes on the heels of other projects by the city of Bangor.
The city is conducting a study to identify transportation and streetscape improvements for downtown. The study is part of a Village Partnership Initiative done in collaboration with the Maine Department of Transportation, which will pay for a significant portion of the downtown improvements that are ultimately adopted.
Improvements are expected to include greater pedestrian safety, making downtown more walkable and enhancing bicycling in the area. They’re also intended to help revitalize portions of downtown.
The study area encompasses Bangor’s downtown core, framed by portions of Park Street, Center Street, Franklin Street, Hammond Street, Main Street, Water Street, Broad Street, Washington Street and Exchange Street.
Click here to learn more about the study.
In addition, extensive renovations of Bangor City Hall are underway, with Benchmark Construction of Westbrook on the job. The work includes demolition, asbestos abatement, improved public access to city services, renovating all floors, replacing the elevator system, and improving building security and the heating and cooling system. An 8,000-gallon oil tank in the basement has been cleaned and removed.
The renovation began in January and is expected to last about 18 months, into the middle of 2025. As work continues, the building is closed to the public. Municipal operations are being conducted at 262 Harlow St.
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