RUMFORD – A request to allow a Black Mountain of Maine alleged tax problem to be placed on the Board of Selectmen’s Aug. 18 meeting agenda, encountered resistance at Thursday night’s board meeting.
Town Manager Stephen Eldridge reported that Andy Shephard, president and chief executive officer of Maine Winter Sports Center, sought to discuss the problem with selectmen prior to the start of their Aug. 18 meeting.
The center owns Black Mountain of Maine in Rumford, and four other community-based ski areas around the state.
Selectmen Chairman Jim Thibodeau said he would deny Shephard and Black Mountain the chance to meet with the board. He said the matter involves the Board of Assessors, not selectmen.
“What they’re looking for is tax-free status. They’ve gone to the Assessors Board and been refused,” Thibodeau said.
He said the ski resort wants to be taken off the town’s tax books.
Selectman Jolene Lovejoy, who said she is also a member of the Black Mountain Board of Directors, countered Thibodeau.
“I think it’s imperative that we hear what they have to say,” Lovejoy said. “It’s a real slap in the face if this board is so busy or so not inclined to meet with them.”
“It’s one thing to help, it’s another thing to support a ski area,” countered Selectman Jim Rinaldo. “Don’t expect anything from us, because it’s not going to happen.”
Lovejoy made a motion to have the board agree to meet with Shephard on Aug. 18. After more discussion, she refused to withdraw her motion when Thibodeau checked with her.
But she did amend it to have Shephard inform the board exactly what he wants to talk about by the board’s next meeting on Aug. 4. The motion carried 3-2, with Thibodeau and Rinaldo the lone dissenters.
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