HARRISON — While Town Manager George “Bud” Finch doesn’t like dealing with the foreclosure process, he was pleased to tell selectmen last week, that the town has the lowest number of properties with back taxes owed since he came on board.

Finch informed Harrison selectmen of the news during his manager’s report at their Thursday, Feb. 11, meeting. Currently there are two property owners who failed to make arrangements to pay their back taxes, liens and fees for 2013 and three for 2012.

“As I have mentioned before, the tax foreclosure process is the part of the job I dislike the most but fortunately Harrison works cooperatively with people facing the foreclosure process,” he said.

“It is a very tough thing working with people who haven’t paid their taxes and a lot of people don’t understand what that means because they haven’t been in that position. We are not in the real estate business – thus no desire to take property and sell it – nor are we in the banking business – thus not your financial institute – but are required to conform to state statutes.”

For 2013 taxes, the deadline to make a payment arrangement with the town was Monday, Feb. 8. Finch noted he doesn’t enjoy making the names of those who owe back taxes public but it is public information. Daniel R. Atkinson owes $1,082 and Stephen D. and Bethany K. Taylor owe $3,296 from 2013.

“We will attempt over the next 30 days … to try to work with the people to not take their property,” Finch said. “It doesn’t mean they’ve got to have the money in 30 days but they have to have a plan in place to get the money paid.”

For 2012, James and Sarah Riman owe $3,084, Michael and Karen Pascoe owe $8,859 and Thomas W. Harville owes $2,262.

As for those owing 2012 taxes, Finch recommended the same time frame, calling it “one last chance.”

“It shows the intent of the town not trying to take the property,” he said, adding family members could also attempt to pay on the money owed and save the property from foreclosure. “We owe it to all the people that pay the taxes on time and all the people that [made arrangements] to take action.”

Finch noted that in his five years as town manager, the town is owed the fewest amount in back taxes from the fewest number of properties.

“Many of the people we’re working with, not only have they caught up, they’re actually paying ahead as well,” he said.

Selectman Richard St. John noted his frustration with foreclosure.

“People seem to be surprised they’re in the process. In order to be in the process, you were sent a dozen letters,” he said.

“No one should be surprised by this and they think we’re out here trying to take property. … These people are the ones not opening their letters or not dealing with it.”

In other news:

• A public hearing for the updated dog ordinance and new safe zone ordinance is scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24, before the regular selectmen’s meeting at the town office. “If you have anything you’d like to bring up about either of those ordinances that is your opportunity. Come talk to us then,” Selectmen Chair Kathy Laplante said.

• Selectmen unanimously appointed 15 ballot clerks for the upcoming June election.

• Selectmen unanimously approved pole permits for Central Maine Power for new poles near Rich Road and Ryefield Bridge Road.

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