Finance

The Finance Department receives and accounts for all funds paid to the City and disburses all funds for compensation to employees and services rendered to the City. The department is responsible for the following:

• Managing the City’s debt and investments
• Managing the City's grants
• Preparing the annual budget and capital improvement plan
• Valuing and tracking the City's infrastructure and fixed assets
• Overseeing the City's annual audit
• Providing timely and insightful financial information to assist the Council and City administration in its planning and decision making
• Preparing, processing, and issuing all accounts payable check and electronic transfers, payroll direct deposits and regulatory reports, and accounts receivable invoices

The Division of Collections and Treasury is responsible processing taxes and fees for both City and State. They handle tax collection, including excise taxes, property taxes, and personal property taxes. They process the fees, fines and dues for city departments including Police, Recreation, Landfill, School Departments and the Skatepark, as well as the Bath Water Districts’ liens and foreclosure payments.

They act as an agent for the Maine State Department of Motor Vehicles and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. These duties include processing fees for licensing motor vehicle registrations (including cars, trucks, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles) and offering the State of Maine’s Rapid Renewal online registration through the city website.

The office works according to Maine Municipal laws to process liens, lien releases and foreclosures on municipal properties. They respond to routine calls from mortgage companies, law offices, banks and title researchers to provide status checks on property tax accounts.

The Finance Department prepares and manages the City’s annual budget, ensuring resources are used responsibly to support services, facilities, and long-term community goals. This section provides access to current and past budgets, financial reports, and information about Bath’s budgeting process.

2025

• Tax Rate (per $1,000): $16.10.

• Tax Year: July 1 – June 30.

• Certified Assessment-to-Sale Ratio: 100%.

• Tax bills: Sent the 2nd week in September. Due date: October 15.

• 2025 Tax Commitment Date: August 28, 2025.