Two big things on a lot of people’s minds these days: Property Taxes and American Rescue Plan Funding for Portland.

1. Revaluation and Tax Billing/Mill Rate Updates: The Committee will hear an update from City staff including Tax Assessor Christopher Huff and Finance Director Brendan T. O’Connell on the revaluation process, the tax billing dates and final FY22 mill rate. It is expected that Portland’s final FY22 mill rate will be one of the lowest in Southern Maine. This is a discussion item only, no public comment will be taken.
2. FY22 and FY23 Tax Relief Programs Update: The Committee will hear an update from City staff including Tax Assessor Christopher Huff and Finance Director Brendan T. O’Connell on tax relief programs which will be available to Portland residents in FY22 and FY23. In previous Finance Committee meetings many Councilors expressed concern about post-revaluation property tax bills and encouraged staff to develop additional options for property tax relief. During this meeting City staff will discuss an expanded Portland Senior Tax Equity Program (P-STEP) for FY22 as part of the bridge program and additional details on a bridge for low income seniors until the State of Maine property tax deferral program is in place in FY23. Public comment will be taken on the proposed changes to the P-STEP program and the committee may take action to recommend the changes to the full City Council.

To learn more about ARPA funds for Portland, and to offer feedback on a survey, Please click here.

(The Agenda and Zoom link are not yet posted - but you can Go here closer to Monday to see agenda, and find the Zoom Link.

September is promising to be a busy month. I hope it’s a good one for you,

Kate

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