125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 808 LR 1216(01)
An Act Regarding Property Taxes in the Unorganized Territories
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Rep. Crockett of Bethel
Committee: Taxation
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill provides that an increase in the assessed value of a parcel of land located in the Unorganized Territory exceeding 25% of its previously assessed value must be phased in so that the assessed value of that parcel increases by no more than 25 % in a single year.  As a result, this bill will raise tax administration costs in the Unorganized Territory.  Maine Revenue Services (MRS) is responsible for the assessing function in the Unorganized Territory and MRS will incur the associated administrative costs.  Typically the General Fund is reimbursed for these costs by the Unorganized Territory Education Services Fund, which will ultimately bear the fiscal costs of this bill.  MRS also notes that the bill as written may need to overcome certain potential Constitutional obstacles in order to become law.