Fort Fairfield Council Sets Mill Rate, Backs Paving and Radio Upgrades

The Fort Fairfield Town Council set the fiscal year 2027 mill rate at $20.50 per $1,000 of valuation and approved spending on fall paving, a fire department radio repeater, and a grant-funded window repair at the community center. The council also appointed a new zoning board of appeals member and heard updates on a regional grades 9 through 16 school proposal and a new economic development grant program.

Key points

• The council set the FY2027 mill rate at $20.50 per $1,000 of valuation, with taxes due February 1, 2027, 7 percent interest on unpaid taxes after March 1, 2027, and 0 percent interest on prepayments.
• Councilors approved spending up to $59,512 from the paving reserve to pave two sections of Marshall Road and a section of Hunt Street, using the town's existing contract price of $89.45 per ton.
• The council approved $7,371.22 from the communications reserve for Roosting Technologies to install a new fire department radio repeater and equipment, addressing coverage gaps that Acting Fire Chief Daniel described as a safety concern.
• The council accepted a $23,203 Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority grant for exterior window stabilization at 18 Community Center Drive, with no town match required.
• Gary Casas was appointed to a vacant zoning board of appeals seat, and Tony Levec was appointed alternate licensed plumbing inspector as a contractor until a staff member earns licensure.
• Tim Goth of the Fort Fairfield Economic Development Corporation presented a new grant program offering up to $250,000 for projects benefiting residents, with applications due November 20 and awards expected in early 2027.

Next steps

• A public hearing on the General Assistance maximum ordinance is set for September 30 at 12 p.m. in council chambers.
• A workshop on reserve accounts is scheduled for October 21 before the regular council meeting.
• The school board votes October 13 on whether to submit the regional grades 9 through 16 school application, which is due October 30.
• The economic development grant program accepts applications until November 20, with review in December.

Read the full transcript