Machias Considers Innovative Loan Program to Ease Washington County Tax Burden
Machias, ME – The Machias Select Board is exploring a novel approach to alleviate the financial strain on Washington County residents facing a perhaps significant property tax increase: allowing residents to prepay their county taxes with a loan, effectively deferring the payment until next year’s assessment. The proposal, discussed at the board’s most recent meeting, aims to provide immediate relief while the county grapples with a budget increase estimated between 20% and 25% – potentially reaching $14 million to $14.5 million – to maintain current service levels.
According to Town Manager Christina edwards, the program would allow residents to borrow funds to cover their county tax obligations, with the loan amount then excluded from next year’s tax assessment. However, the legality of such a program hinges on confirmation from the county attorney, as it could be interpreted as a second tax assessment, which is prohibited.
“I feel good about it, as far as having a prepared voter base,” Select Board Chair Jacob “Jake” Patryn said, referencing an upcoming public hearing and special town meeting to discuss the proposal.
The need for such measures stems from a challenging county budget situation. Edwards explained that last year’s budget of approximately $12 million was artificially lowered by removing required expenses like health insurance from line items, despite those costs still being incurred. “Effectively, what we’d be doing is correcting the mistakes from last year and actually creating a budget that’s sustainable,” she stated, adding, “It was reckless what was done with the budget last year.”
Edwards also highlighted the arduous choices facing the county, including potential layoffs in already understaffed and underpaid departments, particularly within the Sheriff’s office, if deeper budget cuts are pursued. “These are the tough decisions everyone is going to face,” she said. “That is a direct effect on public safety.”
In other business, the Select Board approved an amendment to Machias’ personnel policy extending holiday and storm pay to regularly scheduled part-time employees working over 20 hours per week, specifically those at the transfer station. Town Treasurer Craighead Dedmon anticipates “next to no budgetary impact” from the change,noting it’s “not an uncommon practice.” Patryn expressed his support for the amendment,calling it ”great.”
The Machias select Board is scheduled to meet again on November 19, following a public hearing at 5 p.m.