Dear Editor:

I am relieved to announce that the Boothbay Harbor property tax rate will be rising by only four percent or 45 cents per thousand. During these challenging fiscal times, where more and more costs and services are being proposed by Gov. Paul LePage to be absorbed at the local level, it becomes increasing more difficult to hold the line on taxes.

Boothbay Harbor is a minimal receiver when it comes to State Revenue Sharing so the governor’s proposed cuts to the program has a relatively small impact to municipal revenues.

Although the town's share of the school bill, the county bill and ambulance service bill increased a combined $210,000, the budget committee and board of selectmen were able to present a budget at town meeting that increased by only 1.6 percent.

Thank you to the budget committee, board of selectmen and other community leaders that work tirelessly to maintain costs while continuing to provide excellent services in our small community.

We are very fortunate to have these services and the responsible people who oversee them. Thank you all.

Thomas Woodin
Boothbay Harbor Town Manager