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Does anyone really like to pay property taxes? Most of us understand that our taxes pay for necessary municipal services but, still, paying taxes is generally not considered a desired task, particularly since so many Mainers are seeing property values and tax bills rising.

There are a number of ways property owners can take some control over what they pay, and one is to seek an abatement if you think your property valuation is out of line with similar properties in your neighborhood. It’s an involved process, but is often successful.

For some, the other is to pay your property taxes early. Many towns offer incentives for early payment.

When Porter voters convene their annual town meeting today, one of the warrant articles they’ll consider is whether to authorize the tax collector to accept prepayment of property taxes in exchange for a 3 percent discount on that bill.

Is 3 percent a lot on your property tax bill? Maybe not, but it’s definitely worth considering.

Also worth considering? Sharing this newsletter with family members and friends. They can sign up on our website to have it delivered to their own inbox each Saturday.

Annual town meetings are also being held in Gilead and St. Albans today. Gilead voters will be asked to impose 4 percent interest charge on all taxes not paid 30 days after commitment. In St. Albans, the Select Board is recommending a 7 percent interest charge on any taxes paid after the Sept. 30, 2026 due date, which is the highest interest rate permitted by state law.

That’s a different kind of incentive…

Committee studying Kingfield withdrawal from MSAD 58 outlines tentative budget, school structure: Once the committee agrees on a final plan, it is expected to go to a public hearing in August and then to the Maine Department of Education for approval. Read this story by Bob Neal

Farmington voters adopt six‑month budget as town shifts to fiscal year: Voters elect two write-in candidates to RSU 9 board of directors over incumbent. Read this story by Ben Hanstein

Jay Select Board approves town meeting warrant, backs data center plan: A planned data center would use space at the former Androscoggin Mill, which Pixelle Specialty Solutions Inc. closed in 2023 after a digester explosion earlier that year. Read this story by Bob Neal

While The Maine Monitor does not place its content behind paywalls, some newsrooms we link to in this newsletter may. 

Gov. Janet Mills’ office says that she would support an exemption for the Jay mill data center project | WMTW

Maine lawmakers targeted by social media campaign opposing data center ban | The Maine Monitor and Bangor Daily News

Skowhegan’s town manager died by apparent suicide on March 19. According to search warrant affidavits, police had previously found evidence of child sexual abuse material on devices taken out of his house weeks beforehand | Morning Sentinel

An interim town manager has been named in Skowhegan, while the town prepares to search for a longer-term hire | Morning Sentinel

Maine passes law to prioritize affordable electric rates | Maine Public

Attorneys argue over DOJ's requests for student athlete data in Maine | Maine Public

Rumford is working on a new comprehensive plan, with more than 100 people participating in public input sessions held this month | Rumford Falls Times

Renters and housing advocates are asking state lawmakers to renew Maine’s eviction prevention program | Maine Public

The average price of heating oil in Maine is up to $5.40 per gallon, a 41 percent increase since the war in Iran began | News Center Maine

Carrabassett Valley voters approved their annual budget, a new comprehensive plan and the future purchase of land at their town meeting | Rangeley Highlander

Homes in rural Maine that are beyond the reach of broadband are benefiting from a state program that distributes satellite internet equipment | Livermore Falls Advertiser

Maine's clean energy jobs sector grew again in 2024 | Maine Public

Maine farmers push for $50 million state investment in agriculture | WGME

Maine court e-filing making more work for staff, DAs say | Morning Sentinel

Why western Maine gas prices are among the highest in the state | Sun Journal

Amazon plans new distribution hub in Waterville | Bangor Daily News

Have feedback, a correction or know of something we should look into? Send it to our newsroom. You can reach Monitor Local editor Judy Meyer directly via email: judy@themainemonitor.org.

The Maine Monitor is a publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit news organization that produces investigative journalism. We believe news is a public good and keep our news free to access. We have no paywall and do not charge for our newsletters. If you value the reporting we do for Maine, please consider making a donation! We cannot do this reporting without your support.

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