Mexico taxes could increase by 2 mils

MEXICO -- Now that officials know what the town's share of the proposed RSU 10 budget will be, Town Manager John Madigan indicated that taxpayers could be facing "at least a 2 mil increase."

At the May 8 meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Madigan said half of that increase is related to the proposed school budget.

While the RSU 10 proposed budget reflects just a 3 percent increase, Mexico's share could go up by $127,000 to about $1.4 million, an increase of 10.55 percent.

The overall increase for the town is 7.03 percent, or $291,025. The current tax rate is $23.50 per $1,000 valuation.

With a municipal budget proposed to rise about 5.67 percent, and a Oxford County tax up by 2.46 percent, Madigan said the 2012-13 tax rate could rise by $2 per $1,000 valuation.

Madigan said the potential tax hike is partially the result of lower revenue sharing funds from the state, a multi-million-dollar reduction in the value of the town, and fewer Mexico students attending RSU 10.

In other business, the board approved a request by Recreation Board Member Mabel Merrill, supported by Selectman George Byam, to spend $3,339 out of the capital account for the purchase of a Infield Rascal to drag the fields in the Mexico Rec Park.

Also approved was spending $419, plus shipping and handling, out of the playground equipment fund for a handicapped swing for the rec park that will support up to 150 pounds.

Selectmen voted to place two properties out for bid because of non-payment of taxes or sewer and water fees. A house on Intervale Avenue will be advertised for a minimum bid of $5,000. A two-unit apartment building on Mexico Avenue will be advertised for a minimum bid of $10,000.

The $641 in taxes for a third tax acquired property will be written off because it is an abandoned and deteriorated mobile home on Angie Lane.

The board also issued quit claim deeds for two properties located on Dix Avenue, and tabled action on two other tax acquired properties on Main Street and Swift River Road until it can be determined whether payment arrangements can be worked out with the owners.

Madigan said the board has been invited to an all-day workshop at the Mountain Valley Middle School on Friday called Future Options. At that time, school, town, business and other community members will discuss longterm planning of how to best and most economically use the school facilities in the district for the future.

He compared this effort to one prior to the merging of the former Rumford School Department with the former SAD 43, Mexico in 1989, residents and community leaders from both school departments met to discuss that merger in a group called 50 For the Future.

Prior to the next regular selectmen's meeting Tuesday, there will be four public hearings held, beginning at 6 p.m.

The first will be a discussion on the proposed 2012-13 annual town budget. The second will be to accept a $500,000 public infrastructure Community Development Block Grant.

The third will be a discussion on the use of the following roads to be used as access for ATV trails: Backkingdom Road, beginning at Young's Trailer Park to the end of Backkingdom Road to include Drinkuth Lane, Coburn Avenue, Thad White Road and the Black Bridge Road.

Lastly, will be discussion of a hawkers/peddlers license renewal for the Mexico Flea Market on Main Street.