ENFIELD – Enfield taxpayers are taking advantage of a discount by paying their bills early.

Town officials said more residents seem to be paying their taxes early this year, which in turn is alleviating the town’s temporary tight cash flow. More residents not only are making early payments, but also are paying more of their bill, according to Treasurer Donne Chubbuck. The 2 percent discount is offered by the town to encourage early payment.

Enfield selectmen, who also serve as the town’s assessors, set the new tax rate about two weeks ago, later than usual. Officials delayed setting the rate until the SAD 31 budget was adopted by voters earlier this month. Enfield pays the largest share of the district’s budget. The delay meant tax revenues were not coming in and that resulted a tight cash flow.

The new tax rate of $13.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value represents an increase of 50 cents over last year’s rate. A taxpayer with a home valued at $65,000 will see his bill increase by $32.50.

Michael Pearson, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said the tax rate went up because of increases in the town’s budget, the school assessment and county tax assessment. He said officials did not want the tax rate to increase more than 50 cents so they used $300,000 from the town’s surplus to reduce the amount to be raised from local taxes.

Pearson said officials have worked hard to keep the tax rate stable. The new tax rate is the same as it was in 1996.

The first half of the tax bill is due Oct. 31. After that date interest of 10 percent per annum is charged. The second half of the tax bill is due by Feb. 28, 2002. After that date interest is charged.

The town offers a 2 percent discount on tax bills if they are paid within 30 days from the date they are mailed, or by Oct. 18.

Chubbuck said taxpayers who pay in two installments receive a 2 percent discount on the first installment if they pay it within the 30-day period. She said taxpayers who pay their entire bill within the 30-day period will receive a 2 percent discount on the total bill.

She said about 50 percent of taxpayers usually take advantage of the discount, but this year the number seems to be approaching 75 percent. “A lot of people are paying their whole bill,” she said.

The town’s total valuation increased by $1,426,400, from $95,021,500 to $96,447,900.

The total of $1,290,817.80 raised from local taxes represents an increase of $57,537 compared with last year. The Penobscot County tax assessment increased by $5,688.25. Municipal appropriations increased by $47,755 and the SAD 31 assessment increased by $15,533.17.