Whereas, the value of property within a municipality has a strong effect on the calculation of county taxes, school appropriations and municipal revenue sharing; and

Whereas, the City of Westbrook derives a large portion of its tax valuation from the presence of the former SD Warren plant, now owned by Sappi Fine Paper North America; and

Whereas, Sappi has recently announced the closure of its pulp mill and a machine that makes coated base paper at the facility in Westbrook; and

Whereas, not only will this closure adversely affect approximately 315 employees, but the property valuation of the plant has decreased immensely, causing a decrease in property tax revenues for the City of Westbrook; and

Whereas, unless immediate action is taken to account for this decrease in valuation, the City of Westbrook will also suffer through the loss of significant revenues based on the decreased valuation of the Sappi plant; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Modify 1999 and 2000 state valuations. Resolved: That notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 36, the 1999 and 2000 state valuations for the City of Westbrook, for the purposes of calculating county taxes, school appropriations and municipal revenue sharing funds, must be based on a valuation that values the property of Sappi Fine Paper North America in the City of Westbrook at $125,000,000 and $95,000,000, respectively.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.