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Posted by Tammy Getchell, Mapleton, Castle Hill & Chapman:Dumb question for you guys.  Is it mil rate or mill rate?  I've always used mil, however after looking up the two terms in the dictionary, it seems as though I have been wrong and the proper way to spell it is mill.  Anyone know?

Responses:Tammy, like you I have always used the term ‘mil' however, after asking the very same question and never getting a good answer, I decided to just use the term “tax rate” instead to avoid any confusion. (Ryan Pelletier, St. Agatha)

Though it can be used interchangably, it is most commonly used as mil.  It's a shortend latin term, millesimus,  one thousandth. (Erika Stratton, Old Town)

I have seen both used and mil is short for military and used for 1/1000 of money. Mill is short for million and 1/10 of a cent. So it is up to you. (Eva Leavitt, Turner)

Actually this is a good question that I've struggled with from time to time, and hadn't really done any research on.  I believe the correct answer is that either is acceptable.  According to several dictionary sources on line “mil” refers to 1/1000th and “mill” is also 1/1000th of a dollar.  I believe the plural in either instance would be “mills”.  I'm a radio guy – it sounds the same either way.  I generally have used “mil” in my reference to a “mil rate”, but either would be acceptable. (Stu Marckoon, Lamoine)