BANGOR, Maine — The city of Bangor will conduct its first full property revaluation in 37 years starting in June, and with it will come changes in property taxes.
The city will appraise more than 11,000 sites in an effort to establish more accurate property values.
“In 2026 we should have property values closer to market value and more equitable across the city,” Phil Drew, Bangor city assessor said.
According to Drew, once property values are updated, about a third of people will see an increase in property taxes, a third will stay the same, and a third will decrease.
“We really don’t want anybody to pay more than their fair share in taxes,” Drew said.
People who have made renovations to their homes may see an increase, and those who have not can expect their taxes to stay the same or go down, according to Drew.
Holly Taylor, a listing agent at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, said increases in property taxes could make it harder for some to buy a home in Bangor.
“It's possible, because there are several factors that come into play when you do get a pre-approval, and that's what you pay for the house, your taxes, and insurance. And the taxes have put people over budget, so that certainly could be a problem for a buyer,” Taylor said.
Taylor said seniors on a fixed income could also be negatively impacted.
“They don't have any real way to make up the gap in the difference between what they can afford for taxes and what their tax bill may be,” Taylor said.
Over the next two years, the city will work with KRT Appraisal to inspect every property in Bangor. Appraisers will knock on doors, present identification, and conduct a brief inspection of the exterior and interior of each property.
Some residents are worried about the process.
“It feels like an invasion of private property,” Bangor resident Eugene Savoy said. “I don't think it's right, coming to everyone's house. A lot of people have personal things and don't want to be disturbed.”
Other residents are ready for potential changes.
Bangor homeowner Christi Hille said if her taxes increase, she will budget accordingly.
“I’m a big proponent of paying taxes in the community I live, with the hope of course it’s going back into the community,” Hille said.
New property values will take effect in April 2026.
The city is encouraging residents to attend one of its informational sessions to answer any questions about the revaluation process. The first session has been scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 30 at the Downeast School.