January 30

Maine towns assess tax impact if LePage's budget approved

It's too early to know the specifics, but the proposed cutoff of revenue-sharing would shift costs to homeowners, officials say.

By Matt Byrne mbyrne@pressherald.com
Staff Writer

(Continued from page 1)

Municipal governments have had a string of trying budget years, as the economic downturn of the past five years has in some cases caused layoffs and service reductions.

"You're supposed to do your job in good times and in adversity," said Falmouth Town Manager Nathan Poore. "Unfortunately, adversity has been a little bit long-running now."

In Gorham, the potential loss of $1.6 million in revenue sharing would cause a property tax increase of $1.21 per $1,000 of valuation, adding $242 to the tax bill for a $200,000 home, said Town Manager David Cole.

In Westbrook, planners have itemized the cost of each of LePage's proposals. The city would face about $1 million in additional costs to fund teacher pensions, and a loss of as much as $783,000 from business equipment tax reimbursements, said City Administrator Jerre Bryant.

Windham Town Manager Tony Plante said the size of the potential revenue cuts, including the loss of revenue sharing and other proposals, could force redefining cuts to local government.

Taken together, the governor's proposals represent a 10 percent reduction in municipal funds, Plante said.

"I would advocate for eliminating some things altogether to do the remaining things well," he said.

-- Staff Writers Randy Billings and Leslie Bridgers contributed to this report.

Staff Writer Matt Byrne can be contacted at 791-6303 or at:

mbyrne@pressherald.com 

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