IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of September 1, 2016

/0 Comments/in /by
by Katie Ouilette

WALLS, you, better than anyone, knows that a daily newspaper is supposed to tell you all the news-of-interest every day. But, some interesting information  came into our possession during Lew’s and my travels from Yarmouth, on Friday. Yes, The Town Line was available to us and, faithful readers, my apologies for saying Gerald Marble was, once, director of the Skowhegan’s State Fair, when, in speaking of son Russell spending his first paycheck on the hand-blown glass boat he purchased for me.  Yes, WALLS, I goofed, because it was Roy Symonds, that I should have given the credit to.  Well, you faithful readers can blame my mistake on my age, but I will say that both Gerald and Roy walked our Skowhegan downtown with the same sense of respect being accorded from town folk. Yes, I do remember both men……..do you?

Another happenstance really awakened my memories when the Woolen Mill in Sangerville was written about in a newspaper. Believe me, WALLS, I thought of the wooden spools on the shelf in our living room that came from the Maine Spinning Company. Maine Spinning’s building still stands on The Island and was significant for the military’s woolen materials made at our American Woolen Mills. Unless you faithful readers are close to my age, you don’t know how important the people who worked in our local mills and shoe factories were in the World Wars.

When Lew and I entered the Red Barn Restaurant, in Augusta, our memories awaked of all wars that our USA has been involved in, as we saw a tribute to Togus and its soon to celebrate its beginning.  Wow, how well I remember being in Garfield School, in Skowhegan, and our marching to downtown with flags in our hands…..flags to be waved as our National Guard had marched from the, once, Baptist Church in Skowhegan’s Bloomfield, ‘the original Skowhegan’ on our town’s Main Street.  Yes, those brave young men were marching to our Maine Central Railroad and the railroad cars that would take them to their ‘shipping-out locale’ and World War II.   Yes, we have our Civil War Governor, Abner Coburn to be grateful to for the MCRR.

At the post office, I received a reunion reminder from my alma mater.  Yes, when Dr. George Young’s daughter attended Colby Junior College, he read the X-rays that had to be taken there for Dartmouth Medical College and, you bet, that brought memories of Dr. Young’s son and his beginning Yonder Hill Campground on the Lakewood Road. Well, faithful readers, most folks couldn’t believe anyone would want to spend time at a campground, but Yonder Hill now has its third owner and it is known as Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill.

Y’know, WALLS, don’t you agree that memories that come alive through our years keep us aware of our importance on this trip
through life and, at the same time, understand that  those who don’t have the memories yet, will have them for all their tomorrows.

A few minutes ago I listened to ‘old songs of my era’ on MPTV.  Yes, lots of memories in those songs, too.

…And then, there is football

/0 Comments/in , /by
Spencer Minihan

Waterville Youth Football team member Spencer Minihan getting in some practice time prior to the beginning of the upcoming season.

 

Brendan Roderick

Waterville Youth Football team member Brendan Roderick practicing for the upcoming season.

All photos by Mark Huard, owner of Central Maine Photography

Area youths find success at USATF Summer Championships

/0 Comments/in , , , /by
Jack Bilodeau

Jack Bilodeau, of Winslow, claimed the boys 13/14 javelin state championship.

 

Gabe Katz

Gabe Katz, of Rome, earned the boys 13/14 triple jump state title.

 

Kaylan Bourque

Kaylan Bourque, of Benton, is the girls 9/10 long jump champion.

 

Left to right, Jenna Veilleux, Ashley Quirion, Sadie Irza and Grace Biolodeau

The Winslow girls 13/14 4×100 relay team captured first place at the USATF summer state championships. Left to right, Jenna Veilleux, Ashley Quirion, Sadie Irza and Grace Biolodeau.

 

Carly Warn

Carly Warn, 13, of Winslow, competed in the 100m dash at the USATF youth state meet in Augusta on August 13. Warn competed in the 13/14-year-old age group placing third overall with a time of 13.67. She has been part of the Winslow summer program since she was 8.

 

Waterville and Winslow Youth Summer Track & Field

Members of the Waterville and Winslow Youth Summer Track & Field programs walking in the Parade of Athletes on August 13 at the USATF state championships, held in Augusta.

 

All photos by Mark Huard, owner of Central Maine Photography

Fundraising chicken BBQ at fair

/0 Comments/in /by
Members of Boynton-Webber American Legion Post #179

Members of Boynton-Webber American Legion Post #179, in South China, in conjunction with the Lily of the Valley Order of the Eastern Star #157, held a fundraising chicken BBQ at the Windsor Fair recently. John Wardwell, past grand patron of OES #157, left, and Neil Farrington, commander of post #179, spearheaded the effort. Sponsors of the BBQ included The Red Barn, B&M Baked Beans, Huhtamaki and The Home Depot. Contributed photo

TIF committee makes first recommendations

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

China’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Committee made its first recommendation to selectmen at the committee’s Aug. 29 meeting.

The committee asked selectmen to present to town voters on Nov. 8 Four Seasons Club President Frank Soares’ request for up to $50,000 for specified improvements on the club’s trails in town.  The vote was unanimous with Soares abstaining.

The trails are usually called snowmobile and ATV trails, but Soares emphasized that they are intended for walkers, skiers, horseback riders and others – though not for high-speed travelers or the four-wheel-drive trucks that have done damage in some areas.  One reason to make the improved sections up to 35 feet wide is to make room for ATV riders and horse riders to meet safely, he said.

Better trails will also improve access for emergency vehicles, he pointed out.

The proposed work includes bridging a wet area and the Sheepscot River.  These two projects will complete connections through the town, allowing people to follow a trail system from Wiscasset and the rest of the coast to Newport and thence throughout northern and western Maine, Soares said.  He expects some through-riders will patronize China’s restaurants.

Asked if there were enough local volunteers for routine trail maintenance, Soares said no.  Four Seasons Club membership is high, he said, but only a small number of “dedicated” people work on the trails.

Judy Stone of the Thurston Park Committee said her group, too, might seek TIF funding to help with access to the park and its trails.

TIF money is to be used for economic and community development.  China’s TIF plan includes development of recreational facilities, like trails.

Also discussed at the Aug. 29 meeting were the committee’s plans for improved fishing and boating access at the head of China Lake and the much less specific idea for development in South China Village, including the boat landing there.

One piece of the head of lake project is purchase of land owned by Susan Bailey and used informally for boat trailer parking.  Bailey originally offered to sell the town two pieces of land she owns; Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said she is now willing to sell only the small, mostly-wetland lot the committee is interested in.

However, her asking price is well over the assessed value, and committee members considered it unreasonable.  They authorized L’Heureux to negotiate with Bailey for a significantly lower price.

At the committee’s previous meeting, member Dale Worster proposed a sweeping redesign of South China Village, with a new street of fashionable shops – not a shopping mall, he emphasized Aug. 29 – and a better boat landing.  His idea has two goals: to make China a place where people stop, instead of just driving through on their way to the coast, and to use the $5 million expected from the TIF over 20 years to make a visible impact.

South China residents Helen Hanson and Christopher Barnes attended the Aug. 29 meeting to ask committee members to leave the village as it is, a quiet residential area – although, Hanson joked, it would be nice if the sidewalk were extended past her house.      Committee Chairman Amber McAlister assured Hanson and Barnes the committee has no intention of imposing things – the town does not plan to buy from unwilling sellers or to use eminent domain for TIF projects.  She promised to keep Hanson informed of future discussions.

L’Heureux sees the area around Route 3 and the Hannaford supermarket as ripe for development.  He recommended committee members be proactive, lest the town be forced to react to unwelcome outside projects.

The Aug. 29 meeting opened with a presentation by Kennebec Valley Council of Governments Executive Director Rosie Vanadestine on revolving loan funds for local businesses.  Committee members intend to propose a fund to benefit new or expanding China businesses, but are not sure they can work out details in time for a Nov. 8 ballot question.

The next TIF Committee meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, in the town office.

University of New Hampshire announces graduates

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

The following local students graduated from the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, New Hampshire, during the commencement ceremony.

Julie Arbour, of Augusta, earned a BS in nursing.

Maxwell Brown, of Waterville, earned a BA in Spanish.

Sydney Crogan, of Winslow, earned a BS in business administration: marketing.

Leah Caverly, of Clinton, earned a BS in sustainable  agriculture and food systems.

Maxwell Kenney, of Fairfield, earned a BSENVE in environmental engineering: municipal, Cum Laude.

Jacob Withee, of Norridgewock, earned an MS in zoology.

Kallie Buzzell, of Oakland, earned a BS in nutrition and wellness.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of September 1, 2016

/0 Comments/in , /by
Solon and Beyondby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

The family of the late Henry and Gertrude (McLaughlin) Smith held their 66th reunion on July 31 at Lake George, in Canaan. The descendants of Gertrude (Smith) Mellows were the host.

There were 38 members and two guests present. The family enjoyed a picnic lunch, with the Mellows family providing the dessert.

Elmer’s family – Eileen Western Cyr and Bert Cyr.

Harry’s family – Lester and Gail Smith, Syvia Brennan and Amelia Brennan.

Agnes’s family – None attended.

Oliver’s family – David Smith, Linda Smith, Craig and Judy Smith, Janice Gorman, John and Sheila (Smith) Callaway, Deanna Gorman, and William Gorman Jr. Guest Rachael Bolba.

Gertrude’s family – Sharon Mellows, Danyel Clark, Rosemary Mellows, Diana Merry, Paul Merry, Nathan Merry, Mary Mellows, Scott Mellows and Amanda Mellows with son Dillinger Mellows, Ross and Rhonda Merry, Jessica Merry and daughter Brooklyn Johnson, Caleb Walker (Michelle’s Son), Henry and Shirley Mellows.

Cecil’s family – None attended.

Clarissa’s family – Joan Steele and Nancy Smellie.

Vincent’s family – Katy Frost and son Griffin Patchell , Anna Meacham, Jim and Lynn Smith. Guest; Mark Martin.

The oldest family member was Rosemary Merry, age 83, and the youngest was Dillinger Mellows, age 3, Rosemary is his great-aunt.

Those from out of state were Sylvia and Amelia Brennan, from Pennsylvania; Paul Merry, from New Hampshire; and Mary Mellows, from Connecticut.

An open house and dedication of the Lexington/Highland Historical Society History House was held on August 20. The history of the project started in 1991, when eight area residents met at the camp of Emmons and Barbara Pinkham and agreed to form an organization committed to preservation of the written records, household furnishings, memorabilia and family histories of Lexington residents. Shortly after this, by-laws were written, nonprofit status was established, and they became incorporated as the Lexington Historical Association. After several unsuccessful attempts to find a “home” or site for building, a small group concentrated on building a collection. An invitation to exhibit at a New Portland Historical Society event as well as the New Portland Fair brought attention to the various resources they had collected. Numerous people stopped by these exhibits, including James and Linda Taylor of Lexington. Jim’s question, “Where do you store all this collection?” The response prompted Jim and Linda to ask if they would be interested in a piece of land to build on. Soon a planning committee was formed, the present site selected, a design based on a homestead that set at the corner of the Back Road and Longfalls Dam Road that burned in 1956, was chosen.

The East Madison Historical Association is having a fall yard and bake sale as well as a book signing on Saturday, September 3,  from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the EMHA building at 1108 East Madison Rd., just north of the village. Proceeds from the sale will benefit EMHA’s building fund.

From 9 a.m. – noon, Bob Clement will be present to sign any and all of his four books, the latest one being, “Are You Going to the Skowhegan Fair?” Books will be for sale during that time as well.

My many, many thanks to those who gave me the above news to share with you this week, it is greatly appreciated !

Percy’s memoir is: “There’s a special art to living, And you need a frame of mind That can overlook the showers, ‘Til the sun begins to shine. To develop to the fullest, You have got to understand, That things don’t always function In the way that they were planned. There’s a special art to living, And the challenge must be met, But the longer that you try it, Why the better you will get. Don’t waste your time in waiting For the world to come to you. You have to climb the mountain, To appreciate the view. (words by Grace E. Easley).

Obituaries, Week of September 1, 2016

/0 Comments/in /by

ELAINE K. POOLER

FAIRFIELD – Elaine Elizabeth, 101, passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016, at Inland Hospital, in Water­ville. She was born in Shawmut on August 14, 1915, the daughter of J. Alfred King and Adele (Perry) King.page4pict1

Elaine graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1932, where she was a charter member of the National Honor Society. She was employed locally by the American Woolen mill, by Keyes Fibre Co., and by Dr. McFadden and Dr. Suske.

On June 3, 1939, she married Roland W. Foster, of Fairfield, who passed away in 1983. On January 4, 1986, Elaine married Daniel B. Pooler, of Waterville, who passed away in 1998. Elaine resided at 11 Elm Street, in Fairfield, for 75 years, from 1939 until relocating to Lakewood Continuing Care in 2014.

She was predeceased by her parents; and seven siblings, Dr. Avilla King, Lucille Doyle, Rene King, Rita King, Fredrick King, Alan King and Victory Babb.

Elaine is survived by her two sons, Peter David Foster and wife Judith, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and John Richard Foster and wife Rebecca of Port Orange, Florida; her grandchildren, Erin Elizabeth Foster and husband Jeff Blatt, of Scarsdale, New York, Peter David Foster Jr., of East Burke, Vermont, Sarah Lynn Foster, of Brighton, Massachusetts, Marc Christopher Foster and wife Melanie, of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Brian Richard Foster and wife Bethany, of Ludlow, Massachusetts; her seven great-grandchildren Elaine greatly enjoyed, Charlotte Foster Blatt, Josephine Elaine Blatt, Louisa Elizabeth Blatt, Jacob Gavin Foster and Taylor Mackenna Foster, Sierra Elaine Foster and Caleb Fairbanks Foster; stepchildren, Linda Harding, Donna Martin, Marjorie Handley, and Daniel Pooler Jr.; and several stepgrandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at: www.lawrybrothers.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Fairfield Food Pantry, 23 Lawrence Avenue, Fairfield, ME 04937.

DANIEL J. ARCH

BENTON – Daniel J. Arch, 58, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2016, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville. He was born in Houlton on May 4, 1958, the son of Lawrence and Mary (Wright) Arch.

He was educated in Houlton schools and was a graduate of Houlton High School and had attended Thomas College, in Waterville, for two years.

He formerly was employed as a custodian for Thomas College in Waterville for several years. He enjoyed camping, fishing and family outings.

He is survived by his father, of Canada; his mother, of Otisfield; his wife, Debra (Coro) Arch, of Benton; stepson, Gregory Canham Jr., of Oakland; stepdaughter, Angela Lacroix, and husband Troy, of Waterville; one grandchild, Sean LaCroix; two sisters, Jan Clark and husband Sean, and Kathy Arch, all of Norridgewock; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Condolences may be expressed and guestbook signed at: www.gallantfh.com.

STANLEY R. BASS

FAIRFIELD – Stanley R. Bass, 52, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.

A construction worker, he loved to spend time with his family, especially his two granddaughters. Stanley’s hobbies were bowling, NASCAR, scary movies, and quality time with loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Tammy, Bass, and his two daughters, Bryonna and Samantha; his daughter from a previous marriage, Shirley Bass; and five brothers and one sister.

NANCY M. MASON

WINSLOW – Nancy Michaud Mason, 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 22, 2016, at Carriage Hill Assisted Living Facility, in Madbury, New Hamp­shire.

page4pict2Nancy was born in Waterville on August 5, 1938, the daughter of Alpha and Antionette Roberge. She graduated from Mt. Merici Academy, in Waterville.

She first was a homemaker and in later years worked for the C. F. Hathaway Co., Stern’s Department Store, in Waterville, and Belanger’s Marine, in Winslow. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow,  and a lifelong resident of Winslow.

Nancy was a strong, selfless woman who dedicated her life to her family and friends. She leaves behind a truly magnificent legacy of how everyone should live and love. She was an avid quilter, which she turned into lasting gifts allowing her family and friends to carry her memory through her quilts.

She loved her grandchildren with all her heart. You could always find her at a ballfield cheering them on. Until ill health, she never missed a game.

Nancy is survived by her children, Karen Michaud Belanger and husband Jeffrey, Karla Michaud Deinstadt and husband Steven, and Kevin Michaud and wife Kathi Upham Michaud; stepchildren, Jean, Neil, Jody and Sandy, and their spouses and families; grandchildren, Talia Deinstadt Arsenault and husband Michael, Marcus Deinstadt and fiancée Kristin Arslan, Allison Belanger Stephanian and husband Derek, Ashley Belanger Seto and husband Jimmy, Mackenzie Michaud, and Kamyrn Michaud; great-grandchildren, Casey and Haley Arsenault, Zachary and Hannah Stephanian, and Owen and Madison Seto; brothers, Ronald Roberge and sister-in-law Charlotte, and Alfred Roberge and partner Ben Roberge; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Alpha and Antionette Roberge; husband, Maurice Mason; daughter, Roxanna Michaud; brother, Rudolph Roberge; and stepson, Joe Mason.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow. There will be a reception immediately following at The Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial St., Waterville.

An online guest book may be signed and condolences expressed at: www.gallantfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pine Tree Society, www.pinetreesociety.org.

MICHAEL V. SAWYER

WINSLOW  – Michael Vernon Sawyer, 65, passed away on Friday August  19, 2016, at the Maine Veterans Hospital, in Augusta. He was born on June 23, 1951, in Presque Isle, the son of Vernon and Marilyn J. (Flewelling) Sawyer.

On Aug. 4, 1973, he married the former Joy McGrath, in Fort Fairfield. He graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and was employed for many years as a custom home builder and general contractor. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge. Michael enjoyed history, motorcycling, biking, hiking, and playing guitar.

Michael is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joy C. (McGrath) Sawyer, of Winslow; son, Mathew Sawyer and wife Dina, of Concord, New Hampshire; grandchildren, Christopher Pinkham, Lucy Sawyer, Isabella Sawyer, and Jackson Sawyer; parents, Vernon “Buz” and Marilyn (Flewelling) Sawyer; brother, Jeffrey Sawyer and wife Peggy, of Mapleton; sister, Laurie Berry and husband James, of Presque Isle; mother-in-law, Carolyn McGrath, of Waterville; two sisters-in-law, Lana McGrath of Lake Ridge, Virginia, and Patricia Bird, of Waterville; two brothers-in-law, Kirk Bird, of Winslow, and Kevin McGrath and wife Wanda, of Wells; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Tracey McGrath.

Memorial donations may be made to Maine Lab Rescue, info@mainelabrescue.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

CONSTANCE D. COULOMBE, 84, of Sidney, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at her home. Locally, she is survived by a son, Michael Coulombe and wife Cheryl, of Palermo.

FORMER RESIDENTS

RHODA A. ORMSBY, 76, of Willsboro, New York, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2016, at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, in Plattsburgh, New York.  Born in New York, she moved to Winslow in 1975 with her late husband, until his death in 2007. Rhoda was a charter member of the Winslow Lioness Club and later became a member of the Winslow Lions Club when the two merged. Rhoda participated in different bowling leagues in Waterville over the years.

Water level, weeds major topic at Webber Pond Association annual meeting

/0 Comments/in , /by
Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Low water levels and a proliferation of weeds were the major topics of discussion during the annual Webber Pond Association meeting held on August 27, at the Vassalboro Community School.

Water levels on the pond have continued to drop since about mid-June. As of August 29, the water level was seven inches below the spillway. An ideal depth would be two inches below the spillway. With water levels that low, with a shallow pool like Webber, that is enough to create problems for almost every dock on the whole lake, according to Frank Richards, president of the association. “I understand the tendency to point the finger of blame,” he said. “However, I would argue that this is more of an instance where mother nature presented unmanageable conditions.”

According to the dam management plan presented by the Department of Environmental Protection in the early 1990s, the ideal depth is two inches below the spillway, so periodic adjustments are always needed throughout the summer to match the inflow and outflow. “Normally, a few boards are out during July,” explained Richards. “I’ve seen as many as two feet of boards out in July to balance heavy rainfall. Normally, all the boards are back in by August, when low rainfall is common.”

Richards went on to explain, “with the benefit of hindsight, we would have been better off to put in the last six inches of boards in early July instead of mid-July, two weeks earlier. Had we known there would be almost no rain from June on, we would have. If we had put that last six inches of boards in a couple of weeks earlier, I don’t think it would have made much difference. It’s hard to keep the pool close to the spillway when there’s almost no water entering the lake.”

The lack of rain, low water levels, warmer than normal water temperatures have contributed to the proliferation of Elodea Canadensis, or American pond weeds. Many of the causes for the thick weeds are mostly a guess, according to association vice president Charles Backenstose. “We’ve never seen anything like this before.” According to Nate Gray, biologist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the vegetation may be a nuisance, but it is harmless.

In summation, Richards said that in general things continue to go well on Webber Pond, with the water quality likely being the best ever prior to mid-July.

Backenstose confirmed that statement when he reported Secchi disk readings that showed clear water down to 21 feet in May, near record clarity. Since July 15, the Secchi disk readings have fallen to six feet. However, the water had begun to clear up by the end of August. “Some of the south end of the lake has experienced some floating “collections” late last week,” he added. “I believe the lack of rain has somewhat worsened the situation as little water is entering or leaving the lake to help with some flushing of algae.”

Bob Nadeau, Webber Pond Assn. representative to the China Regional Lakes Alliance noted that the association is available for erosion control work on property owners’ shoreline. With work being done by the Youth Conservation Corps, the group provides landowner consultations, hands-on erosion control work, design and project management, and courtesy boat inspectors. More information is available by contacting Jim Hart, CRLA president, 877-7125 or jimhart35@outlook.com, or Josh Platt, KCSWCD engineer, 622-7847 or josh@kcswcd.org. The group is always looking for projects.

Nadeau also reported of being in conversations with representatives of LakeSmart from China Lake and Three Mile Pond, about the possibility of organizing a group for Webber Pond.

Officers re-elected were President Frank Richards, Vice President Charles Backenstose, Secretary Rebecca Lamey and Treasurer Phil Haines. Directors re-elected included Robert Bryson, Scott Buchert, Mary Bussell, Darryl Fedorchak, Roland Hallee, Phil Innes, Jennifer Lacombe, Robert Nadeau, John Reuthe and James Webb. New directors elected were Susan Barham[Traylor and Stephen Pendly.

With little discussion, the drawdown date was set for Monday, September 19. It was recommended that unless deep water is available at your dock, most boats should be pulled either the Saturday or Sunday prior to the Monday date.

Before adjournment, it was motioned by a member to review the by-laws and make changes to only allow landowners and taxpayers who abutt the pond to be voting members of the association. After much heated, and at times, contentious discussion, the motion failed overwhelmingly, 36-4.

“The content of by-laws should always be open to review,” said Richards. However, “the officers and directors in 2012 were unanimous that being open [membership] was preferable for the Webber Pond Association. I think the consensus is still there.”

China sets tax rate at 15.5 mils

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

At a special meeting Aug. 29, China selectmen set the 2016-17 tax rate at 15.5 mils ($15.50 for each $1,000 of valuation), as recommended by assessor William Van Tuinen.  The new rate is a decrease of 0.1 mils (10 cents per $1,000) from the 2015-16 rate.      Because state law has increased the homestead exemption for people whose Maine house is their principal residence from $10,000 to $15,000, homeowners who have made no taxable improvements to their property can expect their bills to go down by more than the rate decrease.  Owners of seasonal residences and businesses are likely to see a tax increase.

A letter selectmen signed to accompany tax bills explains that three of the four main components of local taxes increased – the school budget, the county budget and the municipal budget.  The fourth, China’s obligation to FirstPark in Oakland, remained the same.  However, increases in property valuations due to new building, plus a more determined effort to locate taxable personal property, increased tax revenue as well, making the slightly lower rate possible.

By town meeting vote, the first half payment on local taxes is due at the town office by the close of business Friday, Sept. 30. China selectmen hold their next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, changed from the usual Monday to avoid the Labor Day holiday.  The meeting will be preceded by a 6:55 p.m. public hearing on the annual changes to the town’s General Assistance Ordinance.