Property Tax Bills Headed Out in Bar Harbor
Council changes public participation rules, potential moratorium on building transient accommodations, bridge maintenance on Lower Ledgelawn,
BAR HARBOR—Real estate taxes are committed for fiscal year 2024 and paper copies are being sent out, according to Bar Harbor Finance Director Sarah Gilbert.
The town’s current mill rate is 8.68 per $1,000 valuation. Last year it was 9.32. While at first glance that seems like a positive for tax payer’s bank accounts, a decrease in the mill rate does not mean a decrease in the taxes. There was a $2 million increase in the town budget on the municipal side, Gilbert said.
One mill equals to $1 in property tax levied per $1,000 of a property's assessed value.
And, most people will see an 18.2% increase in their assessed value of property. The downtown property assessments in fiscal year 2023 had already seen increases up to 20%.
According to Gilbert, the dollar increase for a $500,000 property is approximately $475.
The town’s last full revaluation of all property had been in 2006. When the market value on property increases, the sale ratio changes. When those market values change, the compliance also changes.
In a 2006 letter to the Mount Desert Islander, Assessor Steven Weed wrote,
“The town does not control the real estate market; however, we are required by state law to keep assessments within a certain percentage of ‘market value.’ The minimum allowed ratio is 70 percent; the maximum is 110 percent.”
During her financial report back in May, Gilbert had said that Weed is suggesting a reassessment of all town property because it had dropped below 80% of the property value price and that every piece of land (and all dwellings) would be reassessed.
According to Gilbert, in order to receive certain state funding, school money from the state, homestead exemption reimbursement, BETE reimbursement, and other funds, the town’s assessments must be at 91% of the state’s valuations.
BOND RATING
In better news, the $55 million bond sale came in at a 3.12% rate, she said. The low rate is due to the town’s high bond rating, which is currently the highest given.
If the Town's bond rating was lower, the cost of the bond would be higher. Using 50 basis points, or in this case a 3.62% bond interest rate - the cost to taxpayer would be approximately 2.5 cent increase on the mill rate for the next 20 years, Gilbert said. However, the major part of the $55 million bond is based on user fees for water and wastewater.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
During the town council’s executive session Tuesday night, the council looked at the rules of cruise ship disembarkation. Council Chair Valerie Peacock said they were doing that in executive session rather than open session with the public because of legal advice and the continuing litigation.
“There are parts of this that requires some legal opinion about litigation that’s happening,” Peacock said. Nothing, she said, would be finalized in the Tuesday night discussion.
Gilbert confirmed Wednesday morning that there was no action taken.
COUNCIL RULES OF ORDER
The council also unanimously passed two amendments to its rules of order. Those rules control how the meeting is run, including the order of the meeting, and what public participation is allowed and when.
This discussion began at the council’s last meeting.
Town Clerk Liz Graves said there were three potential edits:
Adjourning at 9:30 p.m.;
Moving the public comment from its time near the beginning of the meeting to a time closer to the end of the meeting;
Allowing public comment during the meeting on agenda items even if there was not a public hearing scheduled for that item.
Adjourning at 9:30 p.m. instead of 10 passed unanimously as did allowing more public comment during the meeting. Public comment during non-public comment times will be limited to two minutes rather than three.
The council failed to advance moving the public comment to a slot closer to the end of the meeting. A motion to reject the change passed. Councilor Earl Brechlin and Vice Chair Gary Friedmann voted against the rejection (so in support of the change). Councilors Peacock, Maya Caines, Matthew Hochman, Joe Minutolo, and Shank voted in favor of the rejection (or against the change).
Hochman worried that many people wouldn’t stay until the end of the meetings, which can get “heady.” Friedmann liked that if comments occur at the end, councilors can respond during their own comments, which would allow for more direct interaction. Peacock, however, worried that an exchange of that sort could potentially meander into actionable items that aren’t on the agenda. That could risk opening up a conversation that hasn’t gone out via public notice and may create issues with due process.
Brechlin was in favor of the change, he said, because it prioritizes agenda items. Currently, he said, “You can get up in the public comment period now and talk about black helicopters and UFOs.” Instead, he thinks that people who took the time to get on the agenda should be able to go first.
“I don’t care if people want to come in here and talk about black helicopters,” Peacock said. If people want to come in and talk about something, she said, let them come in and talk about it. She also felt it was more predictable to have public comment at the beginning of the meeting.
Caines also wondered if there was a way for councilors to disclose personal and financial conflict of interests when they were first elected. It was suggested that this be discussed when the council tackles changes to the town’s ethics ordinance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ABOUT HOUSING
During the public comment portion of the agenda, Appeals Board member Cara Ryan implored the council to continue to look at housing issues. She said that she knows that the council is looking at housing
Cara Ryan said, “I just want to ask you to look hard. Our housing crisis is deepening. It’s gaining momentum just like climate change has.” It’s quietly bringing a range of secondary problems, she said and added that she knows the problem is bigger than Bar Harbor in many ways. She said that the town needs to prioritize housing for year round life and reach into its tool box to work toward that goal.
The town’s Planning Department, Planning Board, and Comprehensive Planning Committee have all been focused on housing needs, which Ryan mentioned.
“We need to start seeing it as the emergency it is,” Ryan told councilors. “The future is being made and unmade for many right now.”
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Senior Taxpayer Assistance Program
During the council meeting, there was a public hearing about the senior taxpayer assistance program’s amendment to the land use ordinance and one for the vehicles and traffic ordinance. There was no public comment.
Councilor Kyle Shank said he wanted to clarify for the public that the repeal in July of the state level senior tax payer assistance program doesn’t have anything to do with this, the town’s taxpayer assistance program.
It passed unanimously.
The updates:
Clarify renters’ qualifications and rebate payments;
Adjust the program’s timeline;
Update the rebate formula to be half of the state’s Property Tax Fairness Credit, unless the town does not have enough money in its budget. Then it would be a pro rata share of the budgeted amount.
Vehicle and Traffic Ordinance Changes
No member of the public spoke about the changes to the vehicles and traffic ordinance. The changes include:
Increasing the overtime parking fee to $40;
Increasing the unpaid citation fee after 30 days to $80;
Changing the curb cut spaces hours of operation to 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Peacock gave a quick update about the Comprehensive Planning Committee’s work, saying that members worked on the plan’s vision and set out a schedule of where the plan is headed at its last meeting. She mentioned the upcoming joint meetings with the Planning Board and also focus groups that are being scheduled. There will be a late fall presentation. Then the plan will be written. The hope is to start writing the plan in December.
“We are definitely getting there,” Peacock said. “I’m excited for that plan to be in front of us.”
The comprehensive plan has to go to town meeting to be voted in and also needs to be approved by the state.
Friedman asked if it was behind schedule and if it will cost more because of that.
Shank said there was no intention of a budget increase, and that part of the reason that the timeline has been extended is the number of public engagements run by a third party.
“It’s going to be phone book size,” Shank joked of the plan.
COUNCILOR COMMENTS – A MORATORIUM ON SOME BUILDINGS AND A TRAFFIC STUDY?
Shank said that it’s a big week for climate change news. In Montana it’s now a violation in the state constitution to not protect its youth. He also sent condolences to Hawaii who are dealing with a fire.
Hochman, sporting a sling from a recent surgery, thanked MDI Hospital for its work. He said that he’d like to discuss a six-month moratorium on transient accommodations while the town talks about its tourism capacity. He’d also like to discuss MDOT to do a traffic study at the head of the island.
“It’s really come to a head and it’s time to ask them to take a look at that area,” he said. “I don’t know what the solution is.”
“Taking two-three hours to get off the island every day at the end of the day has become a common complaint,” Hochman said.
Friedmann said that it was heartening to hear Ryan talk about the housing crisis. He said part of what the council does is enact the vision of the citizens of what the town wants to look like. The rate of development is accelerating, he said. And every year it goes faster and faster. “We’re rapidly turning our community into a commodity,” he said.
Minutolo said he’s witnessed a lot of intensity and road rage this year. He said Bar Harbor can’t solve the traffic issues alone, but regionally. Traffic tension builds a negative environment, he added.
Caines said that on September 5 there will be a housing presentation from the Planning Department.
OTHER NEWS
RURAL WORKFORCE HOUSING SURVEY
The Planning and Code Enforcement Department is working on a land use ordinance amendment to allow more employee living quarters and shared accommodation uses (two types of dormitory style workforce housing) in the more rural areas of town. Currently, most of the workforce housing types mentioned above are only allowed in or near the village centers.
Purpose of this survey: To collect feedback from rural employers to increase workforce housing options.
How your responses will be used: The information will be used to write the potential land use ordinance amendment.
If you are a rural employer and would like to fill out the survey, email cmartinez@barharbormaine.gov.
Bridge Maintenance on Lower Ledgelawn Avenue at Noon on Thursday, August 17
Beginning at noon, 8/17, Maine Dept. of Transportation will be performing maintenance on the temporary bridge on lower Ledgelawn Avenue that goes to the Transfer Station and Great Meadow Drive. Intermittent delays will be expected; travelers should seek an alternate route.
PIZZA IN THE PARK
Join Climate to Thrive on Thursday, August 17, for delicious food and an open community discussion about climate change and solutions here on
Mount Desert Island.
All ages are welcome and no prior knowledge or experience required. Enjoy pizza and connect with others in your community for an informal conversation on the beautiful lawn of the Mount Desert Island Historical Society’s Somesville location.
The conversation will begin grounded in this quote by activist Fenton Lutunatabua:
“In the world that we’re building, in the world we’re creating and the things that we’re handing off to the next generation—if love, hope, and community aren’t at the core of it, we’re not doing this right.”
Questions? Reach out to brianna@aclimatetothrive.org
FEDERAL RESUMES. YOU CAN MAKE ONE
In partnership with Mount Desert Island Adult Education and Ellsworth Adult and Community Education, Acadia National Park will host seven Federal Resume Workshops this summer and fall. Applying for a Federal job is different than applying to jobs in nearly every other industry. These free Federal Resume Workshops will provide prospective seasonal employees with the tools to successfully submit a job application to Acadia National Park.
The power of place is immediately evident to Acadia National Park visitors. What isn’t necessarily apparent is how much the National Park Service relies on seasonal employees to make it possible for visitors from all over the world to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Acadia National Park hires more than 100 seasonal employees each year in jobs that have great potential for developing into exciting careers.
“Working at Acadia is more than just a job,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “Every day, the things you check off your to-do list make a lasting impact. You make it possible for future generations to appreciate the power of Acadia.”
Registration is required to attend the Federal Resume Workshops, which will be held at the following dates and times:
· Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 6-8pm (in person and online, Ellsworth)
· Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 5-7pm (in person, Mount Desert Island)
· Saturday, September 30, 2023, 10am-12pm (in person and online, Ellsworth)
· Thursday, October 12, 2023, 5-7pm (in person, Mount Desert Island)
· Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 5-7pm (in person, Mount Desert Island)
· Wednesday, November 29, 2023 6-8pm (in person and online, Ellsworth)
· Saturday, December 9, 2023 10am-12pm (in person and online, Ellsworth)
Careers in maintenance, fee collection, emergency services, law enforcement, education, interpretation, resource management, and more are available. To learn more about current job openings at Acadia, regularly check the park’s website at go.nps.gov/AcadiaJobs.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety would like to remind motorists: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will take place from August 16 through September 4, 2023. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has awarded federal funds to municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies to increase patrols focused on impaired driving. During this campaign, Maine law enforcement agencies will use high visibility enforcement tactics to prevent fatalities and serious bodily injuries associated with impaired driving.
“Maine law enforcement officers are exceptionally versed when it comes to detecting impaired drivers. These officers have made a real commitment to attend training and seek out other educational opportunities geared toward sharpening their detection skills,” said Lt. Dana Thompson of the Gorham Police Department.
“That knowledge and their experience has made them extremely effective at conducting roadside evaluations, administering field sobriety tests, and identifying alcohol and/or drug impaired drivers. Night and day, Officers are purposefully pursuing impaired drivers to make Maine communities safer,” added Lt. Thompson.
Highway Safety Director Lauren Stewart said, “if you find yourself impaired and you need to get home, give your keys to a sober driver, or call a public transportation service. The irresponsible decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs puts you, your passengers and everyone on the road at risk.”
Several Maine law enforcement agencies have drug recognition experts (DREs) and forensic phlebotomists on staff. These specially trained officers assist with impaired driving investigations after traffic stops and/or crashes. The DRE officers are trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol. A forensic phlebotomist is trained to collect a blood sample from suspected impaired drivers for evidentiary purposes.
During this campaign and every day, drive sober so that you don’t have to meet one of these specially trained officers.
The following predictable effects on driving impaired at certain blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels is something to consider.
• BAC of .02, a person’s visual functions start to decline, and they start to lose their ability to perform two tasks at the same time
• BAC of .05, a person’s coordination gets reduced, steering a motor vehicle can become difficult and response to emergency situations slow down.
• BAC of .08, a person experiences reduced concentration and impaired perception
• BAC of .10, a person has reduced ability to maintain their vehicle’s lane position and their ability for appropriate braking is reduced
• BAC of .15, a person experiences substantial impairment in their ability to control a vehicle and their visual & auditory processing is reduced.
Here are a few safe solutions to help prevent impaired driving.
• Always drive 100% sober or choose a designated driver that you can trust.
• If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
• If you’ve had too much to drink, please call a taxi, Uber, ride-sharing service, a family member, or a friend to make sure you get home safely.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver on the road, please contact a law enforcement agency immediately.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety wants all motorists to avoid preventable consequences that are associated with impaired driving, so remember the following, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”!
LINKS TO LEARN MORE
https://www.townhallstreams.com/stream.php?location_id=37&id=50533
https://barharborstory.substack.com/p/town-likely-heading-to-new-assessment
"Brechlin was in favor of the change, he said, because it prioritizes agenda items."
Of course he was. In the last meeting Brechlin characterized Public Comments as "idle chatter." Prioritizing agenda items means prioritizing topics over which the Council already has control. Folks we are talking about a three minute allowance per Public Comment up to fifteen minutes a meeting. Where residents have their say. Three cheers for Chair Val Peacock and others who rejected Brechlin's high handedness. Shame on Gary Friedman's vote in support of further isolating the Council from residents' concerns
The Bar Harbor Town Charter requires that 'councilors must be fair, impartial, and responsive to the needs of the people.' Allowing them to speak for three minutes on their concerns is part of councilors official duties. Last I heard Public Comments have been about a clean environment and clean government. Not about such as Brechlin's absurd imaginings. But worse, Brechlin earlier suggested outright censorship. The addition of Brechlin to the Council is literally a step towards less public say in government.