DEAR SUN SPOTS: I understand that when we let gambling into Maine that a certain amount of money goes to our schools. How come we taxpayers are paying a higher rate of tax each year for the schools but we never hear or see how much of the gambling money is paid to the state for taxes or used for school budgets? What goes where in regard to proceeds from gambling? All we ever hear is where we need more money for the schools’ budgets. Property taxes are being raised again this year too. — Frank, No town
ANSWER: The Gambling Control Board is responsible for ensuring that revenues received from the gambling facilities are properly reconciled and distributed. The board auditor receives daily reports from the facilities that are then compared with reports from the central site monitoring system to ensure accuracy of monies due.
Maine’s casinos really are helping to fund education and other services, as well as offset taxes. Oxford County received over $2.4 million in net revenue from Oxford Casino in 2016. A total of 25 percent of slot machine revenue and 10 percent of table game revenue went to the Department of Education. The monies are deposited in the state’s General Fund first.
According to a Sun Journal article published on March 24, 2017: “All revenues except those used to lower the tax rate each year are put in the town’s General Fund. This is the town’s primary operating fund for general government purposes – typically accounting for expenses and revenues that result from providing services and producing and delivering goods…The majority of the casino money – the town’s biggest source of revenue, along with other sources such as property taxes – is used to lower the tax rate.”
Hope this helps ease your mind!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The First Universalist Church of West Paris has started a new community program called Kid’s Korner to collect and distribute clothing for infants and toddlers, free of charge.
In need of clothing or diapers for your infant or toddler, or do you have new or gently used clothing you would like to donate? Come to the First Universalist Church of West Paris, 208 Main St., on these days and times: first and third Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to noon; first and third Sunday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The grand opening of Kid’s Korner is Saturday, Aug. 5, and Sunday, Aug. 6. For more information about the program or to volunteer, please contact Donna Marshall, 207-515-0595 or email [email protected]. — Suzanne, No town
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Mt. Blue High School class of 1972 is hosting a reunion on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Titcomb Ski Slope in Farmington. We’re trying to locate classmates. If you are a member of this class, please connect with us on Facebook at “Mt. Blue High School Class of ’72.” Hope to see you there! — Cheryl, No town
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