On Election Day, Nov. 2, voters will consider Question 1, which asks, “Do you want to limit property taxes to 1percent of the assessed value of the property?” While this may sound appealing, it is important to understand the effect this proposal would have on municipal services.

If the so-called tax cap were enacted as written, Farmington would experience a decrease in property tax revenues of 48.8 percent. As a result, the Police Department would be reduced to its pre-1974 level. Fire protection services would be reduced, resulting in longer response times and higher fire insurance premiums. Ambulance subsidies would be eliminated, requiring patients to pay the full cost of ambulance transport. Public Works’ staffing would be cut in half, resulting in a doubling of the time required to plow roads. The Town Office would have to be closed several days a week, and residents would have to travel to Augusta for many services. The public library would potentially be forced to close, and recreation programs would be eliminated. Public education would also suffer.

A statewide tax cap would provide a break to wealthy summer visitors who do not rely on municipal services year-round. It would result in an unfair distribution of property taxes, and would destroy local control. Why should someone in Topsham tell the people of Farmington how much they could raise for their local municipal services?

People need to be informed before voting on this issue. It is not as simple as it seems.

Richard P. Davis,

Farmington town manager

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