In the ’60s, when school administrative districts were set up, the purpose was to ensure that all children would be given the same education opportunities; the towns with amenities shared with the towns that had none.

Unfortunately, many TIF plans have reversed that goal. If a business plans to locate or expand in a town, the taxes should be viewed as part of the operating costs of the business, especially if they are utilizing the area’s natural resources. TIFs do not reduce the homeowners’ taxes; they cause a shift in taxes that saves the businesses tax money.

A new business in Kingfield has meant increased economic and employment opportunities and additional tax revenue to support the school system. But its TIF plan ensures it won’t be sharing its good fortune with the students or the other towns, resulting in unfair taxation to the taxpayers of Eustis who have borne the majority of the district costs for many years.

An increase in district valuation reduces state education subsidy funds, but most of that money comes from our pocketbooks, in federal and state taxes.

I wish neighboring towns prosperity and good fortune, but I believe that the taxpayers of Eustis have a right to know that this TIF is going to result in higher taxes for them, and they have absolutely no voice or vote on the issue. Fair and equitable taxation is the law, but in this case, the other taxpayers of SAD 58 are not being treated fairly or equitably.

Sandra Savage Scribner, Town Assessor, Eustis