Leeds Selectmen signed resolutions Wednesday in opposition of two ballot initiatives: the so-called TABOR II, An Act to Provide Tax Relief, and An Act to Decrease the Automobile Excise Tax and Promote Energy Efficiency.

In opposing TABOR II, selectmen took the position that, if passed, it would change the way state and local decisions are made regarding taxes and budgets, watering down local control. Its passage would also change, they said, existing formulas limiting spending increases that have been Maine law for four years, and would mandate referendum voting for budget increases above these new state-imposed limits.

Regarding the excise tax, officials calculate that reducing the excise tax would create a local revenue loss of approximately $124,000, money that is now used to maintain the town’s 47 miles of road. Officials maintain that the local budget is already as frugal as possible, while still maintaining current jobs and services, and reducing the locally kept excise tax would create a real challenge in continuing to maintain municipal services.

• Polls open

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Absentee ballots are available now at the town office during regular working hours. Applications for absentee ballots are available online only at www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl 

• Taxes due

Wednesday, Nov. 4, is the due date for the first installment of 2010 real estate taxes.

• Rabies clinic

There will be a rabies clinic at the Leeds Fire Station from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. Shots will cost $10 per cat or dog. The town’s clerk will also be available to license dogs during the clinic. 

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