Cobscook Shores' tax exemption plan creating concerns

Cobscook Shores LLC has announced its intention to file for tax exemptions and reductions where allowable on Lubec properties owned by the Butler Conservation Fund, the philanthropic organization founded by Gilbert Butler. The announcement was made by letter addressed to select board Chair Carol Dennison and read during the board's April 17 meeting. Included with the letter was a listing showing the organization's 17 properties, which includes Red Point Park located on County Road.
The tax exemptions, according to the letter, "will reduce our burden by approximately $40,000 annually." The letter also describes various projects previously funded by the organization, including rehabilitation of the basketball court, contributions to engineering costs for the Safe Harbor project, and improvements to the municipal airport, all of which total $50,715. The organization, as stated by the letter, has committed to making a 10‑year annual contribution of $1,000 each to the fire department and public works for road maintenance, and expects to provide approximately $280,000 for bicycle trails connecting Red Point Park to Crows Neck Road. The park, according to Arthur Smallidge, the organization's local representative, is expected to open to the public in July.
Dennison, in an interview, acknowledges that some residents are unhappy with the removal of these properties from the tax rolls and also that the town is powerless to prevent it as long as property owners act within established statutes. She pointed out that she has heard that "a number of towns went to court to block these, and not one succeeded."
Smallidge is reluctant to discuss which of the tax reduction strategies made available by the legislature will be utilized, which according to earlier statements by Assessor's Agent Jim Clark may reduce taxes to 5% of the fully assessed rate. Dennison also mentioned comments by local realtor Debra Holmes, who reportedly observed that the value of properties located near conserved lands often rises.
In other business, Dennison noted that nomination papers for those seeking election to town offices will be available April 26.