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Opposing the 1% Property Tax Cap and Calling Upon the Maine Legislature to Take Action to Reform Tax Policy WHEREAS, the property taxpayers of the State of Maine are being forced to carry a heavier and heavier portion of the taxes collected from all sources to pay for all government services; and WHEREAS, the voters of the State will consider a referendum question November 2, 2004 which, if enacted, would cap all property taxes at 1% of assessed value; and WHEREAS, the Town of Greenville has conducted exhaustive analysis of the impact of this proposal on our community; and WHEREAS, the impact of this proposal would likely result in the closure of our schools, the loss of many municipal services, and significant job loss throughout the community as a result of these changes; and WHEREAS, the current tax policies and unfunded mandates of the State of Maine result in an ascending portion of Greenville's tax commitment to be non-discretionary; and WHEREAS, the people of Greenville have made it clear to the Board of Selectmen that property taxes need to be lowered by whatever reasonable means possible: NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the Town of Greenville Board of Selectmen hereby OPPOSES the 1% property tax cap to be voted on November 2, 2004. The Board of Selectmen further CALLS UPON THE MAINE LEGISLATURE to take action in their next session to lessen the property tax burden statewide through a combination of actions which may include adjusting other tax rates; eliminating some property tax exemptions; funding K-12 public education at 55% (as directed by the voters in November 2003 and June 2004); funding the Municipal Investment Trust Fund; and consider sharing revenues from unorganized territories with adjacent service centers. Resolved at a regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen held Wednesday, September 15, 2004 in Greenville, Maine. Bonita DuBien, Chair Attest: |