SPRINGVALE — When the Sanford Springvale Historical Society acquired the Edmund E. Goodwin house adjacent to the museum last summer, they also received something they didn’t bargain for.

That fall, when property tax bills were issued, they got one.

That is because even though the historical society is nonprofit organization ”“ and the Goodwin house will come under that umbrella next year ”“ on April 1, 2014, the property wasn’t owned by a nonprofit. That means this year they’re coping with a tax bill of upwards of $2,900.

On Tuesday, members of the City Council pledged to find a way to make some adjustments to solve the problem, even though they declined to adjust the bottom line of that budget that evening. Councilors said the request came too late in the budget process, and weren’t inclined to make 11th hour changes to the budget that will go to voters June 9.

The Sanford Springvale Historical Committee, of which the Society is a part, receives an appropriation from the city annually to help fund operations. The tax bill would eat up about 32 percent of that appropriation however, society resident Harland Eastman told the council.

Eastman pointed out the request for help is for this year only because the property then comes under nonprofit status.

Councilor Joseph Hanslip, who had made the motion to increase the budget to accommodate the taxes, later withdrew the motion as individual councilors pledged to make the adjustment later.

Most councilors had said they didn’t oppose helping the historical society, they just didn’t want to increase the budget or interfere with the budget committee process.

“I’ll do everything I can to make sure you get the finding you need,” said Councilor Fred Smith.

“I’ll support it too,” said Councilor Richard Wilkins.

Councilor Maura Herlihy suggested the council might realign the agency finding to accommodate the change. And she suggested folks in the community might help.

“I’ll support the adjustment, but if anyone would like to help, donate,” she said.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324”“4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282”“1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].