In Finance, we’re happy to see the hectic activity associated with the Fiscal 2006 budget wind down. We appreciate the long hours of the members of the Finance Committee, the Budget Committee and the councilors in budget workshop. This represents the first year under the new LD1 state law which has addressed school funding, municipal spending limits, Homestead Exemption, the circuit breaker program, and state revenue sharing.

At Standish Town Hall, the finance/tax/clerk departments are hoping to assist you in cleaning up those spring tax obligations. Of course, we like you, live here and pay taxes to support all of our essential services and infrastructure. We remind you that May 15 is the final day that property taxes are due (the second installment on 2005 property taxes). Since May 15 falls on a Sunday, we’ll honor payments free of late charges on Monday, May 16. The town mailed your tax bills back in October 2004 so now might be a good time to find your copy and send your second installment payment in.

Payment can be made from the comfort of your home by using any major credit card or via electronic check through Official Payments Corporation either via toll free phone number or via secure Internet linked from our www.standish.org Web site (just click on the icon pictured above; a convenience fee will be charged for the use of this service).

Effective April 1, 2005, the town of Standish is accepting debit card payments in addition to cash and checks when you come into the municipal offices to pay your taxes, fees, registrations, etc. This new service is in response to your requests for this popular payment method.

Of course, our front-line, good-will ambassadors will assist you with your transactions and questions. Debbie, Gloria, and Rayleen look forward to seeing you whenever you drop by: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

We encourage you to visit our Web site at www.standish.org. It provides a wealth of information about the town, municipal government and our various departments. If you have questions about your second property tax installment payment call us at 642-3461 then select menu #3, then menu #2, and you’ll be connected to one of our staff.