July 24, 2023

Dear Portlanders,

Sharing a few things below: 1) Mayor Zoom Info, 2) Senior Tax Stabilization Info, 3) It's getting to be local campaign season!

(1) My next Mayor Zoom meeting will be this Wednesday, July 26th at 4pm.
Come one, come all. No agenda. This is an open forum monthly meeting that I offer to talk and engage with constituents directly - not a committee meeting, not a council meeting - just a time to connect, hear what's on your mind, share what's on mine.
Use this link to join:
Zoom Link Here
(I will not be doing a Mayor Zoom in August. I'll pick it back up in September.)

(2) Important Information re: Maine's Senior Tax Stabilization Programs
The City of Portland's Website offers the info below - and a lot more. 
The City of Portland Assessor's Page

The LD 290 “Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens” program was enacted in August 2022 and allowed Maine seniors 65 and older who owned a permanent residence for at least 10 years and were receiving (or eligible for) a homestead exemption to freeze taxes at the previous year’s level regardless of income. 

In July 2023, the Legislature amended this program by LD 258, which states that the Property Tax Stabilization program only applies to the current tax year, which began on April 1, 2023. This means there will be no reapplication process, but your initial application for the current tax year will still be administered for the upcoming Tax Commitment in August 2023. 

It is important to note that this is a State program and while the City plays a role in the administration of it, the City is not responsible for the policy objectives of this initiative. Any questions or concerns owners have regarding this program should be directed to your legislative representative. To find your representative, please visit: https://legislature.maine.gov/senate/ 

For more Info:
LD 290 “PROPERTY TAX STABILIZATION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS” AMENDED BY STATE LEGISLATURE TO ONLY APPLY TO 2023 TAX YEAR; TWO TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS BEING EXPANDED

(3) LOCAL CAMPAIGN SEASON - IT'S HERE

I know it's only July....but local campaigns for Mayor, City Council and School Board are less that four months away! (Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th)

It's never too early to start paying attention to the candidates and the issues. 
Candidates In the Races, so far
The deadline to qualify for the ballot is: August 28th at 4:30pm.
 

As I have shared at the last couple of Council meetings, I will not be present for the August 14th Council meeting. I'll be taking some time with my family the latter part of August. I want to thank Councilor Ali for presiding at the meeting I'll miss. And - if you need to connect with your elected officials, please find Contact Info Here.

Sincerely,
Kate Snyder