WASHINGTON — Efforts to prevent the U.S. economy from going over a “fiscal cliff” stirred back to life on Wednesday with less than a week to go before potentially disastrous tax hikes and spending cuts kick in at the New Year. In a sign that there may be a way through deadlock in Congress, Republican […]
budget
Posted inOxford Hills
Town officials plan meeting with legislators on school spending
PARIS — Town officials from the Oxford Hills School District intend to meet with their state legislators, the school superintendent and school directors in January to discuss budget concerns. The meeting is tentatively set for Jan. 16 at a site to be determined. “We’ve got a problem. We’ve got to do something about it,” Harrison […]
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Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Androscoggin County tax levy dips in 2013
AUBURN — Androscoggin County settled its 2013 budget at lightning speed Wednesday, taking just four minutes to hold a public hearing and poll the Budget Committee on its $10.1 million spending package. There was no public comment and no debate. A few minutes later, the three-member County Commission officially ratified the budget, which will see […]
Posted inFranklin, The Franklin Journal
Franklin County road work reserve gets boost
FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners approved an appropriations budget of $1.38 million for the Unorganized Territory and a tax assessment of $1.25 million. The budget covers 2013-14. Commissioners added $300,000 to the paving reserve, which covers paving and major road work, to the $150,000 initially proposed by the road agent. That will give the county […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
King gets plum committee assignments
The Democratic Steering Committee approved committee assignments, but they’re subject to approval of the full Democratic caucus and the new Senate when it convenes in January. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the anticipated assignments were aimed at helping senators “bring their unique talents and expertise to bear as we work together to advance the […]
Posted inSpecials
Things to consider before buying big-ticket items
The holiday season is a popular time for consumers to purchase big-ticket items such as televisions and home appliances. Year-end sales and holiday discounts have made November and December a buyer’s market. But just because a consumer can find great deals during the holiday season does not mean he or she should jump at the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage, Democrats feud over cameraman
PORTLAND — Maine Gov. Paul LePage canceled a meeting with incoming Democratic legislative leaders Tuesday after asking the state Democratic Party to call off a cameraman who has been recording him at his public events. The Republican governor said he won’t meet with Democratic legislative leaders until the cameraman is removed. LePage said that the […]
Posted inAdvertiser Democrat, Oxford Hills
SAD 17 assessments expected to take big jump, directors told
OXFORD — The time for SAD 17 taxpayers to pay the piper may finally be here. Superintendent Rick Colpitts told directors Monday night that unless legislators agree to waive the state’s minimum local required share for education spending, taxpayers in the Oxford Hills School District may see an overall 11 percent increase in local assessments […]
Posted inFranklin, The Franklin Journal
County road work estimates more than $1 million
FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners continued a public hearing Tuesday to Dec. 18 on the proposed $1.06 million unorganized territory budget for 2013-14. They want to wait until a road management survey is done to see what the county faces in road improvements. Road Agent Jerry Haines is requesting $150,000 for the paving reserve, $50,000 […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Minimal county tax increase for Auburn depends on Androscoggin dispatch fee plan
AUBURN — City taxpayers’ share of county spending could increase slightly, councilors were told Monday, if a plan to pay for dispatch services proves popular to Androscoggin County’s smaller towns and communities. City Manager Clinton Deschene said the County Budget Committee is reviewing a proposed $8.01 million budget which includes a $3,128 increase overall. Each […]