To learn about some of the tools that exist to address island housing and taxation issues, and to discuss possible legislative efforts for the next session, the Maine Islands Coalition met in Rockland in early November.
Judy Mathiau, Assessor with the Town of Rockport; Dennis Doiron, Director of the Income Tax Division at Maine Revenue Services; and state Rep. Hannah Pingree, D-District 36, led a panel discussion. The members of the panel addressed the Property Tax and Rent Refund Program (commonly known as the “Circuit Breaker”), the real-estate transfer tax as it is currently administered, and an update on what legislative efforts may be possible in the coming session.
The latter part of the meeting focused on a discussion about island transportation, comprehensive planning efforts among the islands, Internet connectivity and the Maine Forest Service’s Wildland Urban Interface Program and how it could benefit the islands. The next meeting will focus on solid waste and law enforcement, as well as current legislative efforts. Minutes from this meeting will be available on the Island Institute’s website, www.IslandInstitute.org
The Maine Islands Coalition formed in March 2004 to represent the interests of Maine’s 15 year-round island communities to state government agencies and legislators, and to advocate for policies that are responsive to the challenges facing island towns. One representative from each of the 15 year-round island communities is appointed by town officials to serve on the Maine Islands Coalition. Islands represented include the following: Cliff Island, Great Diamond Island, Little Diamond Island, Long Island, Peaks Island, Chebeague Island, Vinalhaven, North Haven, Islesboro, Isle au Haut, Monhegan, Matinicus, Frenchboro, Swan’s Island, and the Cranberry Isles.
If you are interested in joining the Coalition, or are interested in receiving the minutes from the Coalition for Coastal Workforce Housing and/or Maine Islands Coalition, please contact Chris Wolff, Community Development Director, cwolff@islandinstitute.org (207) 594-9209, ext. 102. q
— Chris Wolff