Town Manager’s Report
Tuesday
August 16, 2005
Assessor To Set the Tax Rate:
After Ms. Taylor completes the review of the Town’s property values and the changes that have occurred as of April 1, 2005, she will be committing the tax rate for the Fiscal Year 2006 taxes. While we expect the tax rate to decrease the final number will not be generated until early next week. The past tax rate $13.40 was for fiscal year 2005.
Most tax payers do not realize that the increased homestead exemption is only reimbursed to the town at 50% and the balance of those exemptions is spread across all tax payers locally.
Besides the regular pressures at this time of the year, the State’s legislation on tax reform had to be reviewed to determine if the Town exceeded its spending cap. The review indicates the town was under the tax cap.
State Inspects Bridges:
As expected, the MDOT completed their inspection of the Davis Bridge, Knights Bridge and Mayall Bridge. The State has indicated these bridges are in critical condition and action is required for the public’s safety. These three bridges are slated for reconstruction in this fiscal year starting next spring. The engineering firms are preparing for a fall bidding which will allow the successful contractors to commence work pending winter weather conditions. In the interim the Town will work to install temporary struts on the Davis Bridge, similar to what has been installed on the Mayall Bridge. We will also work to under pin the Mayall bridge and use rip rap to abate further scouring.
Fall Green up Days and House Hold Hazardous Waste Collection:
The Gray Solid Waste and Recycling Committee along with Randy Cookson has established the dates of August 26-28 as the annual Fall Green up Days. Gray Residents are invited to bring their items to the transfer station and this is the time for free deposits of limited quantities of appliances and the like. Look for the advertisements for the details. Also, over the next few weeks including this Green up weekend there will be spot inspections for transfer station stickers. Entry to the Transfer Station requires a sticker. They are available for purchase at the Town Offices, Transfer Station and Public Safety Dispatch Center for $5.00
The annual household hazardous waste collection will be held on Saturday, August 27 from 9-1PM at the Town’s Sand and Salt Building just before the Transfer Station. The Committee is working with the Town’s of New Gloucester, North Yarmouth and Pownal and the firm EPI who will collect the hazardous materials that day. The details of the collection will be coming through advertisements and flyers. The cost of the collection is offset in part by a grant obtained from the State Planning Office.
Maine DEP Conducts an Onsite Inspection at Public Works:
The Maine DEP conducted their inspection and found the tank warning alarm system non-operable. Steve LaVallee has contacted the vendor who normally conducts the annual cleaning and maintenance and is in the process of resolving the issue. The failure of the alarm also brought a $300 fine. In the future, annual cleaning and maintenance will be scheduled to occur earlier in the 12 month cycle and the system will be readied for any inspections.
Department of Human Services Inspection:
The Town was recently inspected for its General Assistance program by the DHS. Under the administration of Donna Hill, the inspector noted the Town is in compliance and suggested a reposting of information which has been completed.
Energy Pricing:
The Town has locked in some of its more costly energy with pricing that provides predictability and avoids spiking during the heating season. We worked closely with the MSAD #15 and extend our appreciation to Mr. Terry Towle, Director of Operations for his negotiating the final prices.
#2 heating oil- $1.719gallon
LP Propane $1.449/gallon
Monthly Library Report:
The report for July, 2005 indicates that participation continues to grow and that more people are using the facilities and resources. With added programming in July, it became on of the busiest month of the year.
On a separate note, the annual book sale will be Saturday, September 17 from 9-1 PM at the public library. Contact Darcel DeVou for more information and to volunteer.
Respectfully
Mitchell A. Berkowitz
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