Town Manager's Monthly Report transcribed from the July 11, 2022 Town Council meeting.

My report tonight includes some housekeeping items.  On August 6, the Beach to Beacon will be back in person and take place live on the streets.

If the council is interested, there is an opening seat on the County Finance Committee for a two-year position.  The caucus will be held on August 8 at 5:15 p.m. at the Feeney Council room.  Jessica Sullivan was the last councilor to serve for Cape Elizabeth.  Councilors interested in serving should let me know.

On Thursday, Fort Williams Park will close early at 1:00 p.m. This is a rare event, but it will be closing for the National Governors’ Association.  The primary reasons for the early closure are to accommodate the organization’s increase in participation size and increased security concerns.  Regular park hours will resume the next day.  Preparations for the event will take place in the days leading up to event and will be similar to preparing for the Beach to Beacon. Unfortunately, with events that have taken place lately, there is concern for securing and controlling the atmosphere and environment.

There is some good news.  There is an act that has been formalized in law this year to stabilize property taxes for those 65 years or older and have owned a home for at least 10 years.  The state has not provided any forms yet, but they have provided some preliminary details.  The intent is to stabilize the tax bill for the following year, effective April 1, 2023. That would effectively lock in the tax amounts for people over 65 years who have been in their homes for over 10 years and have a homestead exemption.  In a sense, this freezes their tax amount.  Any changes to valuation occurring after the tax bill has been frozen would be covered by the state.  These are the details that are yet to come.  They are fairly important, but the state at this point has said it would cover 100 percent of that difference.  The applications will need to be filed annually by December 1 of each year in order to remain eligible.  The assessor will mail applications annually to those already in the program as well as those who want to apply anew.  You can also transfer your eligibility, much like a homestead if you change homes; it can go with the property owner upon a move.  It can also be portable to another community if you move to another town.  

We anticipate that we will get guidance from the state shortly, but we are looking to get applications from the state by September 1 and tax bulletins that will assist our assessor in implementing this new program. The assessor, Mr. Clint Swett, is also maintaining a list of everyone who has called so far.   As forms do become available, he will mail them to those who have requested them.  Interestingly, the bill passed by the legislature was unsigned by the governor and became law, in effect, by not being vetoed or signed by the governor.  Stay tuned for future updates which will be posted on the website.

Respectfully,

Matthew E. Sturgis

Town Manager