RAYMOND – Rising taxes are prompting the town to take initial steps toward cutting ties with Cumberland County and joining Oxford County.

Raymond First Selectman Michael Reynolds said his town shares Oxford County’s philosophy of keeping taxes down and spending under control. Reynolds said the selectmen were floored to see Raymond’s taxes to Cumberland rise 7.7 percent this year – and he didn’t want that hanging over local taxpayers.

The chairman of the Oxford commissioners, Caldwell Jackson, said the board would welcome Raymond.

Towns must petition the Legislature if they want to switch counties. Voters in the town and both counties also must approve the move by two-thirds votes.