WILTON – Selectmen said they expect property taxes to drop about 15 percent because of the passage of the statewide education referendum last month.

The board agreed to draft a resolution that any revenue coming to the town as a result of the June 8 referendum will be used to reduce property taxes.

The referendum requires the state to pay 55 percent of education costs, including special education.

The town of Brewer is calling on all municipalities in the state to adopt the same resolution in an effort to show voters that the money will not be spent on anything but property tax relief and to encourage voters to reject Carol Palesky’s tax cap proposal on the November ballot.

Palesky’s measure would cap property taxes across the state at 1 percent of the 1996 assessed value, plus an allowance for existing debt. The proposal would also limit changes in assessed values to 2 percent per year, except for properties that are sold or newly constructed.

Selectman Russell Black said he fears school systems will increase their budgets to take the additional revenue. He said he is also concerned that voters do not clearly understand the adverse effects the Palesky tax cap will have on towns.

Town Manager Peter Nielsen will bring a resolution modeled after Brewer’s to the next meeting July 20 for selectmen to sign.

Inventory of assets OK’d

WILTON – Selectmen this week agreed to implement recommendations for financial practices for municipalities. Town Manager Peter Nielsen said that while the recommendations are not a legal requirement, towns that don’t implement them will pay higher interest rates when they borrow from banks, including the Maine Municipal Bond Bank.

The new practices include making and keeping an in-depth inventory of the town’s assets. Nielsen said he would prefer not to do it, but he believes it is a good idea, and that the town’s next audit will recommend it.

“We’ll be ahead of the game and not behind the eight ball,” he said.

Assessing contract renewed

WILTON – Officials this week renewed a one-year contract with Rob Stevens for assessing agent services. He will be paid $19,974 and will be required to provide evidence of $400,000 in general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.

Selectman Keith Swett asked why the town does not put assessing agent services out to bid, to show that the town is paying the lowest possible price.

Town Manager Peter Nielsen said he has researched the issue and brought his recommendation for the cheapest option.

Stevens, who has served Wilton the past nine years, said the “going rate” for the work is about $350 per day.

Noreen Coolidge

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