FARMINGTON — The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted Tuesday to hold a public workshop to explore formation of an Economic Development Committee for the town.
The workshop will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Municipal Building.
Seeking ways to improve the business climate of the town, Town Manager Richard Davis provided examples of mission statements for these committees from other communities for the board to review. He liked the description for the Economic Development Committee for South Portland and told the board “it could be modified to fit our needs.”
The formation of Farmington’s committee would not compete but work along side the Greater Franklin Development Corporation, Selectman Andrew Hufnagel said. It would be a more local, with a focus on Farmington’s development, he said.
The board agreed to hold a workshop to get public input and discuss ideas. The South Portland criteria will be used as a basis for writing Farmington’s description.
The purpose for the South Portland Committee was described as “to assist in fostering a robust economy in South Portland so as to maintain and improve employment opportunities, retain existing business, attract new commercial investment, support a superior level of municipal services and advance the general prosperity.”
In other business, the board approved printing 10,000 brochures from Franklin Printing of Farmington to promote the town. The $3,014.06 cost will be taken from Tax Increment Financing funds.
The board also authorized taking legal action for collection of 30 delinquent personal property tax accounts.
“There are currently 14 businesses with amounts over $300 that we will pursue through the small claims process,” Diana Young, town treasurer/finance director, said in a memo to the board.
There are also 16 accounts, some dating back to 2008, which are smaller, she said.
“The town attorney would like to send a second letter demanding payment,” she said.
The letters will remind taxpayers of an additional $100 fee should it be pursued in Small Claims Court.
Board members were required to sign each of the 30 declarations of action.
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