[Local-Maine-Schools] LD285, from Howland's Town Manager

[Dick Atlee]

Subject: Re: LD 285-Penalties
From: Jane Jones <akihana1 at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:55:24 -0400

Good morning, all -

I just spoke with Ms. Friedman in the Governor's Office, who listened 
patiently to what I had to say regarding the funding penalties and the 
direct impact on the taxpayers in Howland.   For this rural Penobscot 
community, we are looking at a full mill increase if LD 285 is not 
enacted.   For the first time in memory, Howland's actual valuation is 
decreasing for this tax year, exacerbating the property tax squeeze, 
which is being layered on decreasing enrolment and increasing 
unemployment - which I am sure is echoed in many parts of the State.   I 
would hope that many, many others will be able to find the time to 
inundate the Governor's Office today to ask that he sign the measure 
NOW.   Tax equity and economic efficiencies should not translate into 
balancing the budget on the backs of struggling communities - at least 
it shouldn't.

Jane S. Jones
Howland Town Manager