How many times does the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments need to hear the same answer before it accepts the truth?

After being told by the Auburn tax assessor, the appeals board and the city that it owes taxes, AVCOG now hears it from a state legislative committee. The quasi-governmental organization owes Auburn $77,785 in taxes. If it doesn’t pay up, the city will be forced to seize its building, which would be an embarrassing moment for the regional group and the city alike.

AVCOG has shown open contempt for the law, born from the special treatment it received from Auburn. AVCOG has never paid property taxes in the city. They were routinely waived until Councilman Bob Mennealy questioned – in 2003 – why the organization was receiving special treatment. After an exhaustive review, it was determined that the law requires AVCOG to pay taxes.

AVCOG, with a wink from much of the city’s leadership, has fought it every step of the way. Now, if it doesn’t reach a payment agreement with the city before Nov. 28, the next step will be for Auburn to acquire the property.

Stubbornness can only carry you so far. AVCOG has been rebuffed, it owes a substantial amount in taxes and, infuriatingly, has used the dues paid by Auburn and other municipalities to fight it. Taxpayers have been funding both sides of this fight, and it needs to stop.

Perhaps AVCOG intends to abandon its property on Manley Road and seek greener pastures in another location. Or perhaps it thinks the city is bluffing and would never take the property. Who knows?

The facts of this case are straightforward. Despite the good works that AVCOG does for its member governments, it’s not exempt from taxes. During its fight to avoid – and then change – the law, the organization has been distracted from its mission and allowed its tax bill to grow.

It’s time to end this nonsense. AVCOG must pay its tax bill.