Title

High property taxes are threatening Maine's commercial fishing industry and thou

Authors

Connie Pacillo

Source

Casco Bay Weekly

Date

7-13-2000

Pages

10-11, 13, 1

Abstract

High property taxes are threatening Maine's commercial fishing industry and though a proposed tax break on the November referendum ballot might help, it could also cost cities and towns millions of dollars in revenue. Traditional waterfront businesses are under increasing tax pressure because their property is worth far more as sites for expensive houses than as piers, sheds and small homes. The referendum, sponsored by state represenative David Etnier, D-Harpswell, would amend the Constitution of Maine to allow the Legislature to provide for the assessment of land used for commercial fishing activities based on the current use of the property. But Bud Galley, president of the Portland Taxpayers Association, fears the measure will raise taxes for everyone else. Michael Starn of the Maine Municipal Association said one of the most important missing elements is a provision in the amendment requiring the state to reimburse cities and towns for the revenue they stand to lose.

Subjects

Referendums (State), Taxation -- Property tax

https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/cbw_2000/27/

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