7094-R3_ML&P_TownOfBuxton_2018-2019_Web

H OUSE OF R EPRESENTATIVES 2 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002 (207) 287-1315

Donald G. Marean 233 Bonny Eagle Road Hollis, ME 04042 Residence: (207) 727-5527 Fax: (207) 727-4993 Donald.Marean@legislature.maine.gov

Citizens of Buxton, It is an honor and a privilege to serve in the 129 th Legislature representing Buxton. My work serving on the Taxation Committee has been focused on the rising costs of property taxes. We took note of one of Saco’s great programs they provide to their older citizens and made the Senior Volunteer Benefit Program an option for every municipality to allow residents over 65 to get a reimbursement on their taxes by volunteering in the community. We created the Property Tax Relief Fund which will be providing payments of at least $100 by March 1 st . Measures like these are just some of what we need to do to get our feet back under us. The legislature came together this year to relatively quickly pass a budget. While I have some concerns about the increase in total spending, I am happy overall because I do believe that budget practices fiscal responsibility by adding $20 million to the “rainy day fund”, budgeting funding to provide healthcare for those who otherwise couldn’t afford it, and not spending beyond our means. This budget also doesn’t increase taxes and will be providing much-needed property tax relief. Also included in this year’s budget are increases in municipal revenue sharing, up from 2 to 3% in 2020, and to 3.75% in 2021. With state revenue projections turning out higher than originally expected, the numbers are better for the towns to pay for local services like schools, public safety, and road maintenance – instead of relying on property tax increases. Buxton will be receiving $467,740 in 2020 & $620,238 in 2021- this is an additional $154,393 & $152,498, respectively, more than the last approved budget in 2017. This is great news! Things haven’t been totally ideal in Augusta. Over the summer, the legislature was called back for a special bond session that would provide funding on the roads, land conservation, environmental protection, and broadband internet development. I was a proponent of the land conservation bond because it would have provided funding to preserve farm land, working waterfronts, and other natural resources from being developed. This program has not received the appropriate funding for over eight years. I still believe the legislature can do something big on preserving Maine’s lands and will continue to be an advocate towards this issue. This next session, we have a lot of big issues and we need to work to figure out what government’s role is in expanding Maine’s economic potential. Please get in touch with me to share your opinion on pending legislation or if you need help with any government agency. I am at your service and proud to share our story as a community.

Don Marean State Representative

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