CHINA -- Code Enforcement Officer Scott Pierz still has his job.

Selectmen began Monday evening's meeting with an hourlong executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Pierz, his attorney and the town's attorney were present.

As soon as the open meeting convened, board members voted unanimously and without further discussion to reappoint all town officials whose terms ended June 30, at the end of the fiscal year.

In July, selectmen postponed action on appointments, because some board members wanted more time to consider the code enforcement position.

Pierz had unanimous support from the Planning Board, half of whose members were at Monday's meeting.

China Region Lakes Alliance President David Landry sent a letter expressing alliance directors' appreciation for Pierz's help with their efforts to improve water quality in China-area lakes.

Pierz said after Monday's meeting he is satisfied with the outcome and looks forward to continuing to serve the community.

The other major business Monday evening was a preliminary report from appraiser William Van Tuinen on the almost-completed town revaluation.

Repeatedly emphasizing that his figures are not final, Van Tuinen predicted the total valuation of property in the town will increase by more than $140 million, to reflect higher market prices, especially for waterfront property.

Therefore, he predicted a 2008-09 property tax rate of a little more than $11 for each $1,000 of valuation would raise enough money to cover voter-approved town and school expenses and the county tax.

The 2007-08 rate was $16.70.

The revaluation should bring all values approximately to market prices.

In the 16 years since China's last revaluation, lakefront valuations slipped farther below market value than did valuations of nonwaterfront properties. Last year, by Van Tuinen's figures, non-waterfront properties were valued, on average, at about 60 percent of market value; for lake properties, the average valuation was 40 to 45 percent of market value.

Consequently, Van Tuinen said, taxes will be redistributed.

"Lakefront owners are going to be paying a higher percentage of the taxes in the town of China than they have in the past," he said.

Van Tuinen said he hopes to mail out preliminary valuation notices and estimated taxes next week. Immediately afterward, he and his staff will start scheduling meetings to answer property owners' questions and review information used in the valuation process.

If necessary, he said, he or a staffer will revisit a property to look at alleged discrepancies.

A second explanation of the revaluation is scheduled as part of the China Lake Association's annual meeting, to be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the China Primary School library.

In other business:

* Selectmen approved revised building permit fees, despite resident Charles Plumer's complaint that $134 was an outrageous price for permits to add a garage and a sunroom. Selectman Joann Austin voted against the fee schedule and board Chairman Elwood Ellis did not vote.

* Ellis, who is one of China's representatives on the committee planning a new regional school unit, reminded audience members of Wednesday evening's important meeting: The School Committee meets at 6 p.m. at China Middle School to decide whether to forward the reorganization plan to state education officials.

The plan calls for China to join Belgrade, Oakland, Rome, Smithfield, Vassalboro and Winslow in a regional school unit.