News Briefs

Gray hires new CEO

Gray--Paul White, a Raymond resident for 27, has been hired by the Town of Gray as its new Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. White said he is looking forward to serving the Town, said and that he will be helping the citizens get what they need, and hopes to reduce turnaround times, all the while staying within the rules.

Mr. White is the seventh CEO to occupy the position in the last 6 years. Preceding him was Renee Carter, Tom Reinsborough, Al Ferris, Ron Cook (Assistant CEO), Debby Parks, and Mark Stambach.

The Council and Manager welcomed Mr. White. Mr. White is married with two children

Maine Historical Society Awarded Highly Competitive Federal Grant

Portland, ME - The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has awarded $122,682 to Maine Historical Society under its highly competitive Museums for America grant program. The largest federal grant program for museums in the country, Museums for America grants are designed to help museums sustain the world's cultural heritage, support lifelong learning, and serve as centers of community engagement. The Institute received 543 applications requesting over $50 million, and awarded $16,859,240 to 169 museums across the country. Maine Historical Society was the only institution in Maine to receive a 2005 Museums for America award.

Applications Being Accepted for 2005 Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program

AUGUSTA - Governor John Baldacci and Jerome D. Gerard, Acting Executive Director, Maine Revenue Services (MRS), have announced the 2005 Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund Program is accepting applications starting today, August 1, 2005.

Municipal officials have been sent information about the expanded program and the Governor will be following up with elected municipal officials. The Senior refund portion of the program remains mostly unchanged, but the General portion of the program now provides refunds of up to $2,000 to persons of any age whose household income for 2004 was not more than $74,500 for single-member households and not more than $99,500 for those who lived with a spouse or dependent(s).

To qualify for a refund, the 2004 property tax must be more than 4 percent of household income or the rent paid must be more than 20 percent of household income. Senior program refunds are available to applicants who were at least 62 in 2004 (55 or over if disabled).

For persons living alone, the household income for 2004 cannot be more than $12,400; for a single person living with a dependent, or a married person who lived with a spouse, the 2004 household income cannot be more than $15,300. Generally, renters who lived in subsidized housing (paid in part by the government) do not qualify for a Tax or Rent Rebate; however, senior applicants and certain disabled applicants living in subsidized housing may qualify for a refund.

Applicants who qualify for both the Senior and General refunds will receive the larger of the two. Applications must be filed between August 1, 2005 and May 31, 2006. Applications may be filed by computer using I-file at www.maine.gov/revenue or by telephone using a Telefile System. Applications may also be filed by mail.

I-file requires access to a computer with an internet connection. Free internet access is available at most local libraries in Maine.
Applications are available at the Maine Revenue Services' Taxpayer Service Center (Muskie Federal Building, Sewall Street in Augusta), Municipal Offices, local libraries, Area Agencies on Aging and Community Action Agencies, or by calling 624-7894, everyday, 24 hours (to leave your name and address).

Forms are also downloadable from the web at www.maine.gov/revenue (select "Forms, Publications & Applications", then select "2005 Forms" (listed under Income/Estate Tax), then scroll down to select the appropriate link listed under "Maine Residents Property Tax Relief Program"). Applicants who have questions can call (207) 626-8475, or write to: Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund Program, Maine Revenue Services, PO Box 9116, Augusta, Maine 04332-9116.

For further information contact Maine Revenue Services, Income/Estate Tax division, at 626-8475, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.