Who’s behind it: Carol Palesky of Topsham.

The plan: Towns can’t tax a property at more than 1 percent of its value per year, plus assess the distributed cost of municipal debt.

Downside: An estimated loss of $800 million in tax revenues: Towns would need new sources of revenues or substantially cut services.

The good news: It would substantially lower property taxes.

On the homefront: For an Auburn home valued at $100,000, the tax bill would go from $2,938 to $1,000 (a $1,938 saving); for a Lewiston home, from $2,770 to $1,000 (a $1,770 saving).

Question 1A (referendum question will go to voters)

Who’s behind it: Maine Municipal Association

The plan: Mandate the state pay 55 percent of the local costs of K-12 education.

Downside: State would have to come up with an estimated $248 million more a year to give to towns.

The good news: Towns could use the extra money to lower property taxes by an estimated 15 percent.

On the homefront: For an Auburn home valued at $100,000, the tax bill could go from $2,938 to $2,666 (a $272 saving); for a Lewiston home, from $2,770 to $2,501 (a $269 saving).

Baldacci’s bid (a legislative proposal)

Who’s behind it: Gov. John Baldacci

The plan: Spend $50 million more a year: $25 million to towns and cities for education and $25 million for targeted property tax relief for lower- and middle-income homeowners. Cap spending growth to the rate of inflation at state, local and county levels. Bring Powerball lottery to Maine to help pay for the plan.

The downside: Cost $50 million a year, financed through more fund raising or cuts to existing programs and services, as well as the lottery. Gambling foes argue it would expand the lottery.

The good news: Towns would get some education assistance; taxpayers would get some direct property tax relief.

On the homefront: A $100,000 Auburn household with a $55,000 annual income would get a property tax relief check of $488 from the state to help with their $2,938 tax bill. A similar Lewiston household would get a $423 check to help with their $2,770 tax bill. A $100,000 Auburn household with a $75,000 annual income would get a $203 check from the state; similar Lewiston household would get a $194 check. (The projected rebate checks would come from the direct property tax relief money. That does not include future savings from the spending caps or the additional money for local education.)

Colwell’s Plan (a legislative proposal)

Who’s behind it: House Speaker Patrick Colwell

The plan: $44 million in new property tax relief for homeowners, with targeted help for households with an annual income under $150,000 and more help going to senior citizens. No help would be given to households with annual incomes over $150,000. The proposal would increase money given out in the Circuit Breaker and Homestead Exemption programs.

Downside: The plan would cost an estimated $44 million a year. It would be paid for through the proposed Powerball lottery game and raising the tax on cocktails sold in bars – but not beer and wine – from 7 to 10 percent. In addition, a new tax may be imposed on gambling, lottery tickets and horse race betting.

The good news: Offers relief in the form of annual rebate checks sent directly to homeowners.

On the homefront: For a Lewiston household where the owners are under 65 years of age, have an annual income of $45,000 and own a home assessed at $100,000, they would pay a $2,770 tax bill and then receive a state rebate check of about $610. An Auburn household where the owners are also under 65, have the same income and $100,000 assessed property would pay their $2,938 tax bill and then receive a rebate of about $701.

For a Lewiston household where the owner or owners are 65 or older, have an annual income of $45,000 and a home assessed at $100,000, they would pay a $2,770 tax bill and receive a rebate of about $679. An Auburn household where the owner or owners are 65 and older with the same income and $100,000 property would pay a $2,938 tax bill, and receive a rebate of about $775.

Homestead Plus (a legislative proposal)

Who’s behind it: Taxpayers for a Fair Maine Budget

The plan: Cap property taxes at 5 percent of a family’s income; $75 million more for the Homestead Exemption and Circuit Breaker programs; $50 million more to towns for education. Every homeowner would see $7,000 worth of property exempt.

Downside: Costs $125 million; would fund it by raising the sales tax from 5 to 6 percent and broadening the sales tax to products and services now free of sales tax.

The good news: The three measures promise property tax relief.

On the homefront: A $100,000 Lewiston home owned by a family with a $50,000 household income would receive a direct rebate of $270. That same family in Auburn would receive a $438 rebate check. For a Lewiston household with a $30,000 income, the tax rebate would be $1,200. In Auburn, it would be $1,570.

The Republican Plan (a legislative proposal)

Who’s behind it: House and Senate Republicans

The plan: Seek voter approval of a constitutional amendment to cap state spending at the rate of inflation, and require super-majority votes in the House and Senate to raise taxes or fees. Also, assess property at the most recent sale price and allow the value to increase based on the Consumer Price Index. There would no longer be municipal revaluations.

The downside: It would not provide immediate property tax relief. State would have less flexibility to pay for increases in programs, which could force future cuts if costs rise above the cap.

The good news: It would not require the state to immediately come up with millions of dollars to pay for rebates or expanded property tax relief programs.

On the homefront: Over time, the property tax burden would be reduced.

Source: Information for this material was provided by the proponents of each plan.