PEAKS ISLAND (AP) – A 4-hour public hearing on whether this Casco Bay island should secede from the city of Portland drew more than 150 residents.

Supporters of a breakaway warned Saturday that high taxes are threatening the community of 900 year-round islanders that swells to more than 5,000 during the summer. Other complaints focused on what island residents characterized as the lack of a direct voice in Maine’s largest city.

“It is disturbing when you have to face being taxed out of your home and find those in public service have no answers,” said Eunice Curran, a lifelong island resident, who drew applause when she described issues facing her and other older citizens.

“Seniors in particular and islanders in general have no direct support or representation in regard to the city,” she said.

Some speakers advised caution, suggesting that Peaks Island needs the resources that Portland is able to provide to its elementary school and public works programs.

“There are tremendous risks in going it alone,” said Brenda Buchanan, who noted that a group of islanders is looking at other ways to gain a greater voice within the city.

While expressing willingness to continue working with islanders about their concerns, Mayor James Cohen said, “philosophically, the best way to address Maine’s tax problem is to regionalize our government, not get smaller.”

No vote was taken at the hearing, either by islanders or the City Council. The council has scheduled an April 3 workshop on the secession issue. Islanders would have to hold an advisory referendum, which would coincide with Maine’s June 13 primary.

Secession would require legislative approval. A bid by Peaks Island to break away failed 11 years ago by a single vote in the state Senate, but nearby Long Island seceded from the city 13 years ago.