In a bold and unprecedented move, the Raymond Board of Selectmen unanimously voted Tuesday night against paying taxes to Cumberland County.

The “no confidence” motion was made by Selectman Michael Reynolds and seconded by Selectman Lonnie Taylor.

Raymond’s tax bill from the county increased 5.8 percent to a total of $482,000 for the 2006 fiscal year. According to Town Manager Don Willard, county taxes were due Sept. 1. County officials, when contacted were not sure the exact date the taxes were due.

“It is not a responsible action by the county, and we are letting them know we are not happy,” said Selectman Joseph Bruno. “We, as a town, are trying to be fiscally responsible by keeping taxes low. Then the county comes in and passes a 5.8 percent increase for Raymond without giving us a choice. It just is not right.”

Councilman Michael Reynolds, who also voted no on the Cumberland County budget last year, is concerned about why the increase is so high.

“The county built this $1.5 million communications center this year when they didn’t even have towns signed up for the service yet,” said Reynolds. “Our taxes to the county have increased for something that isn’t being used.”

The communication center Reynolds is referring to is the Cumberland County Regional Communications Center, currently under construction in Windham. The center was originally projected to cost $350,000. However, after the county had a survey done it was determined the center needed to be larger to operate effectively. The cost for the new building was $1.5 million.

County Manager Peter Crichton said the Raymond Selectmen have been misinformed if they believe that is the cause of the tax increase.

“That information is not accurate,” said Crichton. “The communication center was built with money set aside in capital reserve and other accounts. Non-tax revenue was used to build that center. Raymond’s taxes went up due to Raymond’s increase in property value.”

Bruno said the county is still over budget on the project and that it does affect each town in Cumberland County.

“The county is still $1 million over the original price,” said Bruno. “That money could have been used somewhere else, and our taxes could have been lowered.”

By law Raymond has 60 days to pay the county what it owes whether or not town officials agree with the hike.

“We know we have to pay,” said Reynolds. “But at what point do you stand up and say something. We need to bring this issue to light.”

Crichton said he is willing to talk with the selectmen about what can be done.

“I will certainly try to meet with them and find out what their concerns are,” said Crichton.

Board memebrs said they are looking forward to that meeting and hope the issue can be worked through.

“We are open to talking anytime,” said Bruno.