NEW GLOUCESTER — Selectmen voted 4-1 Monday to set the tax rate at $14.65 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The previous rate was $14.50.

A home assessed at $100,000 will have a $15 tax increase.

Selectman Steve Libby opposed the new rate, saying he wanted it to remain the same as the past fiscal year.

Contracted assessing agent Michael O’Donnell said the town’s budgeting over the years has been prudent, with no cash flow problems. Pressure from abatements has declined a little, he said, based on a more healthy real estate market.

In other business, eight sealed bids were opened for engineering design and construction services for the Morse Road reconstruction from Route 231 to the railroad tracks. Staff will review the proposals and make a decision Monday, Aug. 24.

Five sealed bids arrived for site assessment and preliminary design study for a new public works facility. A contract will be awarded Monday, Aug. 24. 

Town Manager Paul First said reconstruction of Outlet Road Bridge over Royal River at Sabbathday Lake is expected to begin by Sept. 1. The project is expected to take three weeks and traffic will be detoured.