8388_LGP_MechanicFalls_2022AnnualReport_Web

ANNUAL REPORT

FY 2022-2023

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January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022

Including Financial Report for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023

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TOWN OF MECHANIC FALLS ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Table of Contents

Annual Report Dedication

4

Spirit of America Award

5 6 7 8 9

Demographics

Tax information

Hours of Operation: Town Office, Library, Transfer Station, Water Department General Information: Governance, Budget adoption, Fiscal year, Tax payments, Dates to remember, Vehicle registrations, & Permits Meeting Schedules: Board of Appeals, Budget Committee, Charter Commission, Development Commission, Fire/Rescue, Historical Society, Town Council, Planning Board, Recreation Committee, Library Trustees Elected Municipal Officials

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11

Appointed Boards/Committees

12 13 14 15 16 17

Elected State Officials

Governor Janet Mills

Susan Collins, U.S. Senator

Angus King, U.S. Senator

Jared Golden, U.S. House of Representatives

Richard Bennett, Maine State Senator

18

David Boyer, Maine House of Representatives

19

Town Manager

20-21

Notes from the Tax Office

22

Town Clerk / Registrar of Voters

23-24 25-26

Vital Statistics Animal Control

27 28 29 30

General Assistance

Fire/Rescue Department Emergency Management

TOWN OF MECHANIC FALLS ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Code Enforcement

31-32 33-34 35-36 37-38 39-40 41-42 43-44

Library

Police Department

Public Works

Water Department Transfer Station Community Events Santa Program Sanitary District Recreation Committee

45 46

47-48

Municipal Revenues Received

49

Municipal Budget Summary FY 2023-24

50-52 53-71

Municipal Audit

Regional School Unit 16

72 73 74 75 76

Elm School

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Whittier Middle School

•

Poland Regional High School

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RSU 16 Adult Education

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Unpaid Property Taxes •

77 78

Personal Property Tax

Real Estate Liens

•

79-85 86-89 Back Cover

• Unpaid Property Taxes 2023 (First Half)

Municipal Warrant

Important Telephone Numbers

TOWN OF MECHANIC FALLS ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023

Soldiers Monument erected in 1887 In honor of those who fell during the war 1861-1865. By A.A. Dwinal, Post No. 3 and Women’s Relief Corp No. 32

MECHANIC FALLS ** ANNUAL REPORT DEDICATION **

This 2022-23 Annual Report of the Town of Mechanic Falls is dedicated to James Marston

December 19, 1964 – June 14, 2022

James “Jimbo” Marston was a “Pillar of our Community”. A business leader, community volunteer, and fundraising champion for Make-A-Wish Maine, Jim displayed a passion in everything he did. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with family, friends, and his many dogs. Jim was a lifelong resident of Mechanic Falls. He served on the town's budget committee and recreation department, and was a driving force to get lights on Coleman Field. As a business leader, he became President of Uncle Andy’s Digest in 2008, and later launched LA Metro Magazine in 2016. Jim also, was a member of the LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Wealth Builders BNI Group, American Legion Post 153, and the Auburn-Lewiston Rotary Breakfast Club. As a community Volunteer, Jim coached baseball, soccer, racquet ball, and softball for many years. Jim was always involved in fundraising for our local kids, whether it be playing Rod Roddy for the Price Is Right at Elm Street School or putting on a golf tournament to raise money for PRHS baseball. In addition, his fundraising efforts led to an annual summer block party that over the years raised around $500,000 for Make-A-Wish Maine. Jim’s dedication to the town was recognized in 2011 with the “Outstanding Community Service” award. It was noted that “Small towns like Mechanic Falls manage to thrive due to the generous donation of time and effort given by people like him.” There is a plaque hanging in the town office with names of people in the community who dedicated a considerable amount of time and effort to the betterment of the community. The town was proud to add Jim Marston’s name to this plaque in 2011. This Mechanic Falls Annual Town Report is dedicated to James “Jimbo” Marston a true “Pillar of our Community”.

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MECHANIC FALLS ** SPIRIT OF AMERICA AWARD **

The Mechanic Falls 2022 Spirit of America Recognition is awarded to

Eriks & Nancy Petersons

The Spirit of America Award was established in Maine in 1990 to honor volunteerism and community service

by individuals living in Maine communities. Each year during

National Volunteer Month the Town Council recognizes an individual or group in the town who represent excellence in community service and volunteerism to receive this honor. This year the Town Council chooses to recognize Eriks & Nancy Petersons.

The Spirit of America Award was established in Maine in 1990 to honor volunteerism and community service by individuals living in Maine communities. Each year during National Volunteer Month the Town Council recognizes an individual or group who represent excellence in community service and volunteerism. This year the Town Council has chosen to recognize Eriks and Nancy Petersons. Both Eriks and Nancy are known to be very active in the community and certainly deserve the award for their many hours each year spent in the service of others. Nancy and Eriks recognize the importance of historical preservation in a community. They have worked incredibly hard to promote and preserve our town’s heritage. They give from the heart, and our whole community benefits. They both were part of the committee years ago to build a new high school. Eriks has served as long-time President of the Mechanic Falls Historical Society, has coached baseball, and currently serves on the town’s appeal board. Nancy, also currently serves on the Historical Society, library board of trustees, as well as head librarian for the town. Nancy is very instrumental in town elections, and serves on several committees including the newly revived Community Day committee. In addition to all of their community service efforts, Eriks for many years has contributed much to the town, writing articles for the Sun Journal, and Nancy has served on many school committees over the years. The Petersons are long-time residents of the town of Mechanic Falls. Congratulations to Eriks and Nancy Petersons, this year’s Spirit of America Award Winners.

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DEMOGRAPHICS

MECHANIC FALLS * ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY * STATE OF MAINE

Population by Census 1980 ……. 2,589

1990 ……. 2,919

2000 ……. 3,138

2010 ……. 3,023

Form of Government

2020 ……. 3,107

Charter / Council / Town Manager

Altitude

Incorporated March 23, 1983

Approximately 300 feet above sea level (downtown area) to

about 600 feet above sea level (Pigeon Hill area)

Area

Approximately 11.6 square miles

Approximately 21.77 miles of publicly maintained roads

Public Schools

Regional School Unit #16

Mechanic Falls, Minot & Poland

Elm Street School, PreK thru 6

Bruce M. Whittier Middle School, 7 thru 8

Poland Regional High School, 9 thru 12

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TAX INFORMATION

State Valuation

Tax Commitment

2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23

$141,350,000 $155,700,000 $163,750,000 $166,150,000 $166,550,000 $158,550,000 $153,600,000 $146,900,000 $144,350,000 $150,500,000 $152,300,000 $155,150,000 $161,400,000 $178,400,000 $190,050,000 $207,550,000 $237,300,000 $135,568,928 $137,864,855 $139,705,496 $141,712,679 $144,717,137 $147,314,147 $147,178,523 $140,461,609 $142,411,547 $142,776,795 $146,055,324 $144,137,494 $148,329,448 $156,176,157 $156,521,481 $159,622,738 $161,415,187

2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23

$2,562,732 $2,605,930 $2,556,611 $2,465,800 $2,539,785 $2,571,996 $2,815,379 $2,911,010 $3,062,745 $3,134,026 $3,144,796 $3,144,073 $3,225,607 $3,088,033 $3,095,832 $3,188,706 $3,329,341

Municipal Valuation

Tax Rate/$1000

2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23*

$18.90 $18.90 $18.30 $17.40 $17.55 $17.55 $18.65 $20.40 $21.20 $21.40 $21.31 $22.00 $21.80 $20.95 $21.45 $21.60 $22.25

20/21 CERTIFIED RATIO @ 85%

21/22 CERTIFIED RATIO @ 85%

*22/23 CERTIFIED RATIO @ 80%

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Town Office

Monday & Tuesday……... 8:00am-5:00pm

Wednesday ……….……... 8:00am -4:00pm

Thursday…….……… . …... 8:30am -5:30pm

Friday……………… . … .... 7:30am-11:30am

Transfer Station

Wednesday……… . ………. 12:00pm -4:00pm

Thursday……….……………12:00pm -6:00pm

(Thursdays Summer Only May-Sept)

Saturday……………………. 8:00am -4:00pm

Sunday……………………… 8:00am– 1:00pm

Library

Monday & Wednesday ......... 9:00am – 5:30pm

Tuesday & Thursday ............. 3:00pm-7:00pm

Saturday ................................ 9:00am – 2:00pm

Water Department

Monday – Friday ...............7:30am – 4:00pm

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Governance :

By charter adopted in 1992, amended in 2019; five elected Councilors and an appointed Town Manager.

Budget Adoption :

Referendum Voting: 2 nd Tuesday in June

Fiscal Year :

July 1 st through June 30 th

Tax Payments :

Property tax payments are due twice per fiscal year. The first half payment is due by the close of business day on October 15 th , the second half is due by the close of business day on May 15 th . Interest is imposed, for late payments, beginning the following day. Property owners should notify the Town Office of changes to your property and structures therein by April 1 st each year. Various Tax Exemptions are available to citizens. Please contact the Tax Office for further information .

Dates to Remember:

• Snowmobile & ATV registrations expire June 30 th each year. • Boat registrations, hunting & fishing licenses expire December 31 st each year. • Dog licenses are due every year by Dec. 31 st . State mandated late fee charged if not done by Jan. 31 st . • Transfer Station stickers are valid July 1 – June 30, which follows our fiscal year.

Vehicle Registrations: What to bring to the Town Office …

Re-registration

❖ Bring the old registration, current (unexpired) proof of insurance, and the exact current mileage of the vehicle. New Registration ❖ Dealer Sale – Bring Bill of Sale showing sales tax was paid, blue Title Application form, window sticker, current (unexpired) proof of insurance, and exact mileage of the vehicle. ❖ Private Sale – Bring Bill of Sale, Title (1995 and newer), Release of Lien (if applicable), current (unexpired) proof of insurance, and exact mileage of the vehicle. ❖ Transfer of Plates – Bring all applicable documents/information above PLUS registration from old vehicle. Permits: The Town of Mechanic Falls requires numerous permits for specific activities; please contact the office at (207) 345-2871 for more information. Not obtaining the proper permit prior to engaging in an activity is subject to fines and/or prosecution .

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MEETING SCHEDULES

Board of Appeals Budget Committee Charter Commission

As Needed As Needed As Needed Quarterly

February-April

Development Commission

5:30pm 7:00pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:00pm

Second Monday Second Monday Third Wednesday

Fire & Rescue

Monthly Monthly Monthly Monthly

Historical Society Town Council Planning Board

First Monday

Wednesday following the Council meeting

Recreation Committee

6:00pm 7:00pm

Second Thursday

Monthly Monthly

Library Trustees

First Thursday

Mechanic Falls Council Members

Seated: Darrell Young, Vice Chair & Tarsha Downing, Chair

Standing: Councilors Paula Stotts, Stanley (Sonny) Morgan & Rosalie Aikman

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ELECTED MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

Government is people. Municipal government is the unit of government closest to the people it serves.

Town Council

Term Expires

Tarsha Downing, Chair Rose Aikman, Vice Chair

2024 2023 2024 2023 2025

Darrell Young Paula Stotts Stanley Morgan

RSU #16 School Board Members

Mary Martin, Chair

2025 2025 2023 2024 2025

Jessica Smith Amber Lyman Patrick Irish Andrea Winn

Sanitary District Trustees

Scott Penney, Vice Chair

2023 2025 2025 2024 2024

Michael Baird, Chair

Gary Purington

Mark Gary

Anthony Emery

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APPOINTED BOARDS/COMMITTEES

Planning Board

Board of Appeals

Walter Goss, Vice Chair

Eriks Petersons Martha Wiseman Christopher Strout

Shannon Snowman, Vice Chair

David Griffiths Shannon Sturgis Rebecca Boynton

Vacant Vacant

Vacant (alt)

Library Trustees

Recreation Committee

Vacant, President Georgia Randall

Justin Starbird, Chair

Jay Bryant

Jenn Durant, Secretary Janice Earle, Treasurer

Robyn Coleman

Craig Smith

Ann Hobart

Jessica Cummings

Laura Vincent

Wayne Usher

Martha Wiseman

Jill Starbird

Patricia Dyer

Vacant

Budget Committee

Development Commission

Thomas Walton Cynthia Larrabee

Michael Baird, President Stuart Davis, Treasurer

Andrea Winn Walter Berry

Brenda Coleman

Walter Berry

Vacant

Vacant

Historical Society

James Craig, Secretary Eriks Petersons, President Nancy Petersons, Treasurer Patricia Dyer

Lindsey Anderson Dorothy Bouchles

Steve Turner Walter Berry Rena Berry

Back: Walter Berry, Rena Berry, Rose Aikman, Patricia Dyer, Lindsey Anderson Seated: Nancy Petersons, Steve Turner, James Craig

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ELECTED STATE OFFICIALS

SUSAN COLLINS US SENATOR

ANGUS KING US SENATOR

JARED GOLDEN CONGRESS 2 ND DISTRICT

413 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. Washington DC 20510 Tel (202)224-2523

133 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington DC 20510 Tel (202)224-5344

1223 Longworth House Office Bldg. Washington DC 20510 Tel (202)225-6306

JANET T MILLS MAINE GOVERNOR

RICHARD BENNETT MAINE SENATOR DISTRICT 18

DAVID BOYER REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 87

1 State House Station Augusta ME 04333 Tel (207)287-3531

3 State House Station Augusta ME 04333 Tel (207)287-1515

2 State House Station Augusta ME 04333 Tel (207)287-1400

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Dear Friends:

For four years it has been my privilege to guide our great state, working with the Legislature to keep Maine people safe and put our economy on a path to recovery.

Since the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020, we have worked hard to get as many shots into the arms of Maine people as quickly as possible. Since the COVID-19 vaccine became available, more than a million Maine people have gotten fully vaccinated from COVID-19. It is thanks to them that our state has one of highest vaccination rates and one of the lowest death rates from COVID-19, despite having a much older population than other states. People are coming to Maine because we are one of the safest states in the nation. Following the recommendations of the Economic Recovery Committee, our economy has not only fully recovered, but has surpassed pre-pandemic projections and unemployment claims have dropped to pre pandemic levels. And, last year, I was pleased to sign a balanced, bipartisan budget that finally achieves the State’s commitment to 55 percent education funding, fully restores revenue sharing, and expands property tax relief for Maine residents. Maine can be proud of our nation-leading progress, but our work is far from done. Through the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, we will continue to address our longstanding workforce shortage, the expansion of broadband, education and job training opportunities, housing, child care, and transportation. Drawing on the hard work and resilience of Maine people, together we will rebuild our economy and rise from this unprecedented challenge a state that is stronger than ever. In 2022, we focused on our economy, on our climate, on our kids, on keeping people safe and on the health and welfare of all Maine people. We have persevered, and, while challenges remain, we will get through them together. I am proud of the people of Maine, and I am proud to be your Governor.

Thank you,

PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Voice)

888-577-6690 (TTY) www.maine.gov

FAX: (207) 287-1034

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Dear Friends :

It is an honor to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful for the trust that Mainers have placed in me and welcome this opportunity to share some key accomplishments for our state. Last year, I secured more than $500 million for 285 projects from Aroostook County to York County that will promote job creation, workforce training, and economic development; expand access to health care; improve public safety, infrastructure, and community resources; and protect our environment. To address the crisis of soaring inflation and high energy prices, I led efforts to provide $2 billion in supplemental funds to the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program. In the new Congress that begins in 2023, I expect to be the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and will continue to champion investments to support Maine’s communities and families . Strengthening our economy and supporting good jobs remain a top priority. Along with the Governor and the rest of the Maine Delegation and the associations representing the lobster industry, I worked to protect our hardworking lobstermen and women by pausing for six years the onerous federal regulations that jeopardize our lobster fishery’s very existence. Another ongoing threat to Maine’s small businesses is the shortage of workers. That’s why I led an effort to push the Administration to nearly double the number of H-2B visas that are critical to our hospitality industry. Additionally, when the Administration proposed to cut the construction of a destroyer to be built by Bath Iron Works, I restored this funding to protect Maine jobs and our national security. When Maine Veterans’ Homes announced last year that it planned to close its facilities in Caribou and Machias, I opposed that decision which would have had such a devastating effect on rural veterans and their families. I am glad that the decision was reversed, and I have secured $3 million to help with upgrades to these facilities. My AUTO for Vets Act also became law, which will help disabled veterans maintain their independence by supporting the purchase of a new adaptive vehicle once a decade. This past year, Congress demonstrated how effective it can be on behalf of the American people when both parties work together. A few of the bipartisan achievements that I was involved in include the Respect for Marriage Act, which will provide certainty to millions of loving couples in same-sex marriages while protecting religious liberties, and the Electoral Count Reform Act, which establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes for President and Vice President. No one works harder than the people of Maine, and I have honored that work ethic by showing up for every vote. During my Senate service, I have cast more than 8,500 consecutive votes, never having missed one. I remain committed to doing all that I can to address your community’s concerns in 2023. If I may be of assistance to you in any way, I encourage you to contact one of my six state offices.

Sincerely,

Susan M. Collins, United States Senator

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January 1, 2023

Dear Friends, I’ve often thought that Maine is just one big small town connected by long roads. Well, in the past year or two, those roads have gotten steeper and bumpier as we dealt with an unprecedented pandemic and the resulting economic troubles. As we faced the historic challenges, something impressive happened. We came together and lent a hand to our neighbors wherever we could to keep things running and spirits high. Down in Washington, Congress tried to help Maine communities get through this struggle, so that our state would come out stronger. To do that, we put in the work and set some things into motion that are already helping Maine people. That’s why you hired us, after all. The pandemic made something we’d known for a while clear: those roads and networks that connect our big town needed repair, improvements, and expansion – from bridges to broadband. So, while Maine was uniting towards a common purpose, Congress came together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – legislation that makes generational investments in physical infrastructure, broadband connections, harbors, and the energy grid. These efforts will lay the foundation for Maine’s 21 st century economy and make sure even the most rural areas aren’t left behind. Over the last two years, as we drove up and down our state, you couldn’t help but see storefronts in trouble and prices rising as the economy struggled through a global recession. And again, while you focused your efforts on getting through the difficult times, Congress took meaningful action. We passed the American Rescue Plan in 2021, which enabled Governor Mills and the state of Maine to better meet the health and economic difficulties of the pandemic. At a critical moment it expanded healthcare efforts to confront COVID and invested in the state to keep the economy in far better shape than most others nationwide. Congress didn’t stop there. This year, we took even more concrete steps to cut costs, create jobs, and provide more affordable, cleaner energy. The bipartisan CHIPS Act will bring home the manufacturing of the technical components known as “chips” that are used in everything these days – from smartphones to microwaves to cars – and in doing so reduce prices and create good American jobs. We also passed the Inflation Reduction Act ( IRA ) to lower healthcare costs, allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and cut energy bills with new rebates for things like heat pumps and solar panels. Beyond these major investments, we also passed vital legislation to improve the day-to-day lives of Maine people and Americans nationwide. On a bipartisan basis, we expanded health care for veterans exposed to toxins, strengthened protections for marriage equality, supported Ukraine as it fought off a bloody Russian invasion, secured our elections and the peaceful transfer of power, and delivered millions in federal investments to projects up and down our state. So, as Maine worked to get through hard times, Congress took steps to support our state – and we’re already starting to see brighter days ahead. I’m proud to have played a small part down here; it’s a true privilege to listen to you, work with you, and build a brighter future for all the incredible people up and down the roads that connect our big small town. Mary and I wish you a happy, and safe 2023.

ANGUS S. KING, JR . MAINE

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January 1, 2023

Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds you safe and well. It’s an honor to continue serving as your representative in Congress, and I take the responsibility very seriously. I appreciate the opportunity to update you on what I’ve been working on behalf of the people of the Second Congressional District. In August, I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act because it represented a dramatic turnaround from misguided efforts to pass sweeping, ill-designed legislation that tried to accomplish too many things through budget gimmicks, setting up problematic fiscal cliffs in numerous programs and refusing to make the difficult decisions to allow for a fiscally responsible bill. The Inflation Reduction Act , which was signed into law by the president, was fiscally responsible and targeted four key priorities: reducing our national debt and putting our country back on a more sustainable path, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and making health care more affordable, investing in an all-of-the-above energy strategy to significantly increase oil, gas, and renewable energy production to lower energy costs for Americans, and cracking down on the tax avoidance of billion-dollar multinational corporations. This bill was the first major legislation in the last decade to use the reconciliation process to create a fiscally responsible budget to reduce deficits. The Congressional Budget Office estimated it would reduce deficits by approximately $300 billion. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I also helped pass the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which among other things, included key wins for Bath shipbuilders, UMaine, and servicemembers and their families. For shipbuilders, the bill secured authorization for a third DDG-51 destroyer; established a new contract for up to 15 DDG-51 destroyers over the next five years, many of which will be built at Bath Iron Works; and included funding for shipyard infrastructure. The bill also authorized over $25 million for defense research programs, including UMaine’s large-scale manufacturing program. Finally, the bill authorized a 4.6% pay increase to help servicemembers and their families deal with rising costs due to inflation. Additionally, at the end of 2022, Congress passed a spending bill to fund the government through September of 2023. The bill funds nearly $27 million in funding for community projects across the Second Congressional District, a lifeline for our lobster industry that freezes any regulatory action for at least six years, and secures millions in additional funding for the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help Mainers heat their homes. Regardless of the year, one of my top priorities is ensuring I’m accessible to you. My staff and I can help answer questions about and navigate federal programs; find resources in Maine; and resolve issues with Medicare, Social Security, the VA, and other federal agencies and programs. We are here to help:

● Caribou Office: 7 Hatch Drive, Suite 230, Caribou, ME 04736. Phone: (207) 492-6009 ● Lewiston Office: 179 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME 04240. Phone: (207) 241-6767 ● Bangor Office: 6 State Street, Suite 101, Bangor, ME 04401. Phone: (207) 249-7400

I look forward to building on momentum from recent legislative wins for Mainers and continuing to work on your behalf in 2023. Do not hesitate to reach out and voice an opinion on legislation, let us know about local events, or seek assistance navigating federal agencies or programs. It’s an honor to represent you in Congress, and I wish you a healthy and prosperous year to come.

Respectfully,

Jared F. Golden Member of Congress

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Senator Richard A. Bennett 3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0003 Office (207) 287-1505 Cell (207) 592-3200 Richard.Bennett@legislature.maine.gov

131st Legislature State of Maine Senate District 18

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you in the Maine Senate. I am grateful you have put your trust in me, and I will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf.

I am eager to get to work for the people of Maine, and particularly those in Senate District 18. The 131 st Legislature must work collaboratively to solve problems and ease the burdens of every day Mainers. I have heard from countless constituents who are tired of the fighting, and want to see their government start working for them. I could not agree more.

I intend to focus my work on advancing common sense policies aimed at protecting Maine’s natural resources, lowering the costs of goods and services, and assisting our small businesses. With rising inflation and economic uncertainty, the work the Legislature does at the State House directly affects the lives of every Mainer. When I cast votes in the Senate Chamber I do so after thoughtful consideration about what is best for the people I was elected to represent.

I hope that during these difficult times we all come together as a community, and reach out to our neighbors in need. Check in with each other and reach out if you or someone you know is struggling. As always, I am eager to help with state-related issues.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you in the State Senate. I believe that if we work together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. Please feel free to contact me at 287-1505 or (Richard.Bennett@legislature.maine.gov) if you have comments, questions or if you would like assistance in navigating our state’s bureaucracy.

Sincerely yours,

Richard A. Bennett Senator

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you for electing me to serve as your State Representative. It is a pleasure to serve the residents of Mechanic Falls in District #87. Representing you is an honor and a privilege as I work diligently to be your voice in the Maine Legislature. I encourage you to actively participate in your state government. Phone calls and letters are always welcome. With the wider use of technology, meetings and hearings are more accessible than ever. Using the homepage of the Maine Legislature: www.Legislature.Maine.Gov, you will find access to Zoom meetings and YouTube videos. I also send a weekly email with current state news. If you wish to receive these updates, please contact me at David.Boyer@legislature.maine.gov and I will gladly add you to our list. In addition, Legislative Sentiments are a wonderful way to recognize an important achievement of an individual or a group. Wedding anniversaries of 50 years or more, championship sports awards, becoming an Eagle Scout or gold and silver Girl Scout, top 10 lists for high school honors and more. Please let me know if you feel someone deserves this type of special recognition.

During this session, I have been selected to serve on the Joint Standing Committee on Veteran’s and Legal Affairs. I look forward to the challenges ahead within this important committee.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely, David Boyer State Representative

District 87 Mechanic Falls and Poland (part)

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TOWN MANAGER

March 1st, 2023

To The Citizens of Mechanic Falls:

How time flies! It’s hard to believe that another year is in the rearview mirror. This past year saw several positive steps for the Town. Some of those steps included the installation of LED Streetlights throughout town, the top coat paving of Walker Road, an updated cell plan for the landfill at the Transfer Station, and an engineering report on the Town office building.

I do want to take a moment and thank our staff for all that they do for the town… they are the soul of our operation, and they are heroes. Every day they work hard in their respective roles to serve you. Please be sure to thank these folks when you see them. Positive words are always appreciated. In addition, I also want to thank the Council for their dedication and hard work for the town. They too, deserve your thanks. I can report to you that the financial state of the Town of Mechanic Falls continues to be strong. Our new audit firm has completed the FY ’22 annual audit report, and has the Town’s Undesignated Fund Balance at over 1.5 million. FY ’24 Annual Debt Service comes in at just under $200,000 and, the town currently has over a million dollars set aside in various Reserve Accounts, which will help the town to save money on future interest payments. Looking forward… over the next year we hope to do more road work. Assuming available capital dollars, we will look to put a top coat on the roadwork completed a couple of years ago, this will ensure the maximum life of that roadwork and save the town a lot of money in the future. In addition, we hope to finalize a Road Plan of all the town’s roads… this will be a guide for the town moving forward. It is my goal for the town not to have to borrow for roadwork moving forward, rather to use annual capital money for annual roadwork, saving money on interest payments. Currently, the town borrows $500,000 once every five years… completes whatever roadwork that will pay for… then while paying off the bond, waits another five years to do more work. This is not sufficient to keep your roads in their proper condition. My plan includes setting aside an annual amount of $120,000 and after the current bond is paid off (3 years), adding that payment to the annual set aside amount, making the new base line of annual road work $220,000 per year. This plan will give the town a much better chance of getting the roads where they need to be.

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Switching gears, let’s talk a moment about the current town-wide revaluation underway. Hopefully, by the time you read this, you will have received your updated property valuation from John O’Donnell and Associates. Good news! Regardless of your new valuation, if you receive the Homestead Exemption, you should be able to benefit by 100% of the amount, instead of the current 80%. Challenges… moving forward, one of the greatest challenges for the Council and Town remains the long-asked question of where should the town office be located. Should it remain at 108 Lewiston St? Should we look at re-visiting the use off 22 Pleasant St. (assuming it is not sold)? Or should we look at building new? I expect the Council will continue on the journey of answering the question. As always, know that I have an open-door policy. Please feel free to reach out to me with any problem, question, thought, or even kind word that you may have. My direct line is 344-1505. I will meet with anyone, anytime, to discuss any topic concerning the town. In conclusion, from finances, to staff, and council, the state of the Town of Mechanic Falls continues to be strong. I look forward to another year of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Sincerely,

Vic Hodgkins Town Manager

The 6 th grade classes visited the library.

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NOTES FROM THE TAX OFFICE

PROPERTY TAX STABILIZATION- 2022 brought us the rollout of the new Property Tax Stabilization Program for Senior Citizens. If you are a homeowner age 65 or older, and have owned a homestead* in Maine for at least 10 years (does not need to be consecutive years), you may qualify to have your property tax bill stabilized. This means that your real estate taxes will stay frozen at the amount of the bill you receive during the year in which you applied for the program. As long as you continue to re-apply by the deadline each year, your tax bill will continue to stay at this same amount. The deadline has already passed to stabilize your taxes for the upcoming 2023-2024 tax bill. If you missed the deadline this time around, or are newly qualified for the program, we are accepting applications for the December 1 st , 2023 deadline to freeze your taxes on the 2024-2025 tax bill. If you have already applied during the 2022-2023 tax year, you will see your taxes frozen on your next bill. Remember , a new application needs to be submitted each year. Please come see us in the fall to update your enrollment in the program. If you fail to re-apply your tax bill will revert to your regular tax amount. FACT! If your homestead is owned by more than one person, only one needs to qualify. FACT! If you relocate to another town in Maine, your stabilized tax amount will stay with you as you move as long as you continue to meet the qualifications, and submit a new application by December 1 st of each year to your local municipal office. FACT! The state of Maine reimburses the town of Mechanic Falls for the difference between your normal bill amount and your stabilized amount. FACT! If the tax assessed on your homestead is below your stabilized tax amount, you will be billed for the lower amount, and your taxes will be stabilized at this amount moving forward assuming your enrollment in the program stays current. MYTH! Your heirs will be required to pay back the amount you saved while enrolled in the program upon the sale of your house after your passing. Or, you are required to pay back this amount if you sell your house and move away, or stay in Maine and choose not to purchase another home. This is misleading information spreading on social media sites . With the exception of fraudulent use of the program, neither your state or local government will ever reach out for repayment of this money. VETERAN EXEMPTION - If you are a veteran you may qualify for an exemption on the real estate taxes of your primary residence in Mechanic Falls if you served during a federally recognized war period and are at least 62 years old, or are receiving a total disability pension from the U.S. Government. A spouse (not re-married) of a deceased veteran who would have met the qualifications above and/or receives a pension from the U.S. Government as a widowed spouse may also apply for the exemption. Homestead* Exemption- If you have purchased a home in Mechanic Falls and it is your “primary” residence, you may be eligible for the Homestead Exemption. The only requirements are that you are a permanent resident in Maine, and have owned your primary residence in Maine for the past 12 months. FACT! This program is NOT income based.

* Definition of “Homestead”- A property is considered a homestead it is your permanent legal residence, and can be proven with one of the following: Driver’s License, tax return, voter registration, hunting/fishing license, or vehicle registration. A homestead is not a seasonal residence or a secondary residence.

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TOWN CLERK

This year has flown by and I cannot believe I am coming up on two years as your Town Clerk! I would like to thank the citizens of Mechanic Falls for your patience as I continue to settle into this role. Once again, the clerk’s office went through a few changes and last June we welcomed Sarah Jones to the office as the Deputy Clerk and Deputy Tax Collector. As record keepers for the town, we issue birth, death and marriage certificates; issue business licenses, dog licenses and hunting/fishing licenses. We record all proceeding and votes cast in both municipal and state elections. We register vehicles as well as boats, ATVs and snowmobiles. For your convenience we also offer a wide variety of online services such as Rapid Renew for vehicle registrations, ATV, Boat, Snowmobile registrations, Hunting and Fishing licenses, Dog licenses and new this year you can now pay real estate taxes online at any time . All of the links are posted on the Website. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 207-345-2871 if you have any questions. Please be sure to check out the town’s website for upcoming events and announcements: www.mechanicfalls/govoffice.com.

T hank you, Annie Gray for

Janice Ferri,

Town Clerk

brightening up our lobby!

Voting 1889 Active Voters

2022 Vital Statistics

691 Republicans

38 Births

485 Democrats

41 Deaths

113 Green Independent

26 Marriages

4 Libertarian 596 Unenrolled

Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

126 Hunting/Fishing licenses

Motor Vehicle Registrations

81 Boat Registrations

2846 processed registrations

143 ATV Registrations 97 Snowmobile Registrations

I am privileged to work for a town with an amazing team, one that is very dedicated to the Town of Mechanic Falls. We do not give “awards” as recognition of service, however I regularly hear from residents the appreciation they have for our team. Their dedication not only shows in the number of years they have worked here, but in the things they do for the town outside of their working hours. This is a list of those with 5 years or more working for the town. Thank you to each and every one of them! Fred Sturtevant – 36 yrs. Jon Damon – 16 yrs. Andy Coleman – 7 yrs. Jeffrey Goss – 34 yrs. Michelle Emery – 15 yrs. Norman Lowe – 7 yrs. Lisa Prevost – 28 yrs. Chris Arsenault – 9 yrs. Michelle Paladino – 7 yrs. Scott Penney – 28 yrs. Dennis Mazurkiewicz – 9 yrs. Steve Turner – 6 yrs. Jacob Verrill – 27 yrs. Nancy Petersons – 7 yrs. John Rowe – 5 yrs.

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Have you ever wondered what your town looked like when it first began or even how it came to be a town in the first place? Have you ever wondered why a street is named is what it is? I am fascinated by the history of small towns in Maine and often imagine what life must have been like when a town began. Was a town settled because it was on the way to someplace else and people simply stayed? It seems that even in the most remote parts of the state, people formed towns and made their lives. Lucky for me, and all of us really; there have been people through the years who thought to record the happenings of their day that have become our history. Thank you to our fabulous Historical Society for letting me “play” in the archives. The Town of Mechanic Falls came to be in 1893, but before that it was a village called Bog Falls that was actually part of both Poland and Minot. As was the case with many towns in Maine at that time, the boundary between Poland and Minot was the Little Androscoggin River. The power of the river attracted people to the area surrounding the falls and several mills were built there making up the village of Bog Falls. In the mid-1800s these mills included Drake, Dwinal & Co. paper mill (formerly Drake & Mitchell) on the Minot side and A.C. Dennison & Co. (formerly owned by Isaiah Perkins) on the Poland side. J.W. Penney began manufacturing steam engines, machinery and foundry articles in Mechanic Falls. In 1886, his two sons, became partners, formally establishing J.W. Penney & Sons which grew to become one of the greatest machine shops in Maine and was a great factor in the prosperity of Mechanic Falls. It was J.W. Penney who introduced electric lighting to the village. He is also one of people to be credited for recording the events and way of life at that point in time. Jesse M. Libby, who was a member of the Maine State Senate at this time, fought in favor of formally dividing the Towns of Poland & Minot to create the Town of Mechanic Falls. Though there was some initial opposition, the bill passed and the Town of Mechanic Falls was incorporated on March 22, 1893. The First Annual Report was for the year ending February 28, 1894. The first Town Officers were: Clerk: J.H. DeCoster; Treasurer: O.B. Dwinal; Selectmen, Assessors & Overseers of the Poor: H.E. Thurston, F.O. Purington and F.A. Millett; Road Commissioners: C.L. Hackett, W.C. Chipman and A.D. Bemis. The answer to my questions of how the town began

and whether people were just passing through is: they settled here for the purpose of harnessing the power of the Little Androscoggin River and what it provided to the businesses that were relevant at that time. They successfully fought to create this town and make it their home. Many of the names mentioned here still have roads named for them and descendants who reside in the Town of Mechanic Falls. ~JMF

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VITAL STATISTICS

Our condolences to the family and friends of our 2022 departed

Robert C. Berry

82 08/08/22 84 06/27/22 56 04/15/22 92 11/27/22 80 03/05/22 72 12/03/22 66 01/19/22 84 01/28/22 81 08/31/22 44 07/26/22 85 06/17/22 39 04/10/22 83 11/02/22 72 06/02/22 75 08/29/22 89 12/30/22 67 11/16/22 80 12/21/22 85 07/14/22 81 06/05/22

Flora Abbie Major Koleen E. Major

75 05/12/22 49 06/28/22 57 06/14/22 62 12/06/22 47 10/08/22 86 05/21/22 84 11/12/22 86 03/02/22 48 07/01/22 84 10/03/22 70 10/31/22 85 11/13/22 84 02/14/22 90 09/22/22 88 04/27/22 50 02/13/22 74 04/09/22 83 05/01/22 61 01/27/22 89 01/31/22

Phyllis Mae Bragdon

James Edward Marston, Jr. Donald Wayne McGrath Sarah Jean McKinley

Lee A. Brown

Barbara J. Campbell JoAnne M. Cooper

Rodney Arthur Coulter, Jr. 52 06/04/22

Loretta C. Parker

Joseph J. Cushman Thomas L. Deojay Madeleine I. Dionne

Clayton Cordell Phillips

Frank H. Piper

Brian S. Plourde, Sr. Robert W. Richardson Edwin L. Roberts III Linda Osborn Ross Calvin Howard Rowe, Jr. Geraldine M. Russell Christopher Eric Smith Richard Thomas Stretton Colleen Belle Tibbetts Eleanor R. Small

Judith A. Dooley

Jason Earle Douglass

Marilyn M. Dunn

Amanda Jean Emery Deanna D. Fickett Belinda Ann Gagnon

Arthur R. Gary

Irving Wendall Harris Nancy Lucinda Holt-Frye

John B. Jalbert Dorothy L. King

Laurie J. Vachon Harry W. Wilson

Beverly A. Kyllonen

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Newly married residents of 2022

Erica Marie Benson & Kevin Christopher Shrader Brandy Lynn Bickford & Christopher Frank Jarvis Justin Dean Libby-Perry & Paige Ann Murphy Kaitlyn Whitney Zeininger & Dominique Scott Belanger Harold Edger Guimond II & Nicole Marie Pepin Jessica Paige Cunningham & Michael Todd Miner Katlyn Marie Morissette & Sawyer Aaron Learned Philip Michael Drake & Kallie Kryn St. Hilaire Patricia Mae Yates & Joshua Harmon Crocker

Carrie Lynn Richardson & Fally Djibu Kasongo

2/07

7/30

Carol Lynn Lamb & David Matthew Lord

2/19

8/14

Adam Michael Durant & Jessica Lane Merry

2/17

8/08

Tony Lee Collins &Latoya Melissa Irving

3/13

9/17

Abigail Rose Brown & Cameron Howard Pearl

4/09

8/27

Marilyn L. Dunning & Robert L. Mayberry

4/30

8/13

Maverick Austin Elwell & Michelle Marie Nadeau

4/29

9/25

Duane Roy Hoffman, Jr. & Brittney Fox Lamothe

5/12

9/24

Scott Allen O’Donnell & Kelly Jean Ayer

7/26

10/15

Jessica Marie Desrosiers & Jason Earle Douglass Janet Cora Remington & Scott Gerard Provencher

5/21

Cody Allen Peterson & Haley Mae Davis

10/15

6/25

Kayla Marie Boyce & David John Pepin

10/11

Nicole Marie Chute & Michael Normand Caron

7/16

Jared Duane Martin & Hannah Abbott Roy

11/11

Jessica Leigh Sabat & Rocky Vincent Crowley

Ashley M. Westgate & Steven A. Sargent, Jr

7/23

12/2

Mechanic Falls Residents welcomed 38 babies in 2022!

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ANIMAL CONTROL For over 28 years Robert Larrabee has been our Animal Control Officer. State Law requires the licensing of all dogs over the age of 6 months, as you can imagine, this also creates the requirement for someone to enforce these laws. He generally visits the Town on a daily basis to check in, answer domestic animal complaints, and enforce dog licensing requirements. Total # of complaints: 270 Registered Dogs 43 Cat Complaints 57 Unaltered 5 Animal Bites 301 Spayed/Neutered 9 Animal Trespass 3 Service Dogs 29 Dog pick-ups 5 Kennel Licenses RABIES IS FATAL – PLEASE VACCINATE YOUR PETS ! All dogs MUST (by State Law) be licensed within the municipality of which their owner resides annually by December 31 st . Cost to license is $11 for unaltered and $6 if spayed/neutered. After January 31 st , a $25 late fee, per dog, is assessed. Service dogs, although they do not require the annual fee, must still be licensed by December 31 st and will still be assessed the late fee as applicable.

Please bring current rabies certificate (furnished by your vet) when licensing your dog.

Proper ID can prevent your dog from going to the shelter. Numerous dogs are taken to the shelter each year due to lack of identification.

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GENERAL ASSISTANCE

GENERAL ASSISTANCE NOTICE

The municipality of Mechanic Falls administers a General

Assistance

Program for the support of the poor.

Pursuant to Title 22 MRSA 4304, the Municipal Officers have ordinance establishing that program. A copy of this ordinance is available for inspection at the Mechanic Falls Town Office. Also available for inspection, is a copy of the State’s Gene ral Assistance Statutes, as copies of the State law are made available to the municipality by the Maine Department of Human Services. PERSONS WISHING TO APPLY FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE MAY DO SO AT THE MECHANIC FALLS TOWN OFFICE – Second Floor Vic Hodgkins G.A. Administrator 345-2871 adopted an

Applications accepted in Person Monday -Thursday from 8 am – 4 pm Friday from 8 am – 11 am (EMERGENCY cases considered by application)

For Emergency After Hours Situations Only Call Dispatch at 207-753-2599 – Ask for Mechanic Falls G.A.

The municipality’s General Assistance Administrator must issue a written decision regarding eligibility to all applicants within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving application.

The toll-free number to call the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), with questions regarding the General Assistance Program, is: 1-800-442-6003 ALL GENERAL ASSISTANCE APPLICANTS MUST BRING ALL PAY STUBS, RECEIPTS SHOWING USE OF INCOME, ANY UTILITY BILLS AND LANDLORD INFORMATION IF GENERAL ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED FOR SUCH.

This notice is posted pursuant to Title 22 MRSA 4303-4305

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