The Cumberland County commissioners, elected officials, wisely postponed the appointment of new Cumberland County Recreation District trustees, which serve a separate government. To have new people step into a position and make decisions affecting all county citizens’ property taxes without having the historical background and knowledge would have been very unwise and unfair.

The trustees have very hard issues ahead:

• Negotiate a contract with the hockey team management.

• Establish a forward-thinking organization.

• Develop a strong marketing strategy that outbids their regional competition.

• Determine how they will maintain a renovated facility while paying off the $32 million of renovation debt backed by the county.

It is a tough assignment; however, if they do not, the county property taxpayers will be saddled with approximately $1.1 million to $1.6 million of district-created property tax per year for the next 20 years.

Most special districts, established by the state Legislature, are created to break even, with their revenue covering all investments, costs and expenses. Additionally, they run without paying property taxes.

I applaud the trustees for sticking to their negotiating goals and encourage them to move forward and meet the break-even goal for the sake of the county citizens, which they serve.

Stephen Gorden

North Yarmouth

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