Chamber testifies in support of bill to require State to value certain energy generation property

On Tuesday, January 21, the Maine State Chamber testified in support of LD 1898, An Act Regarding Property Taxes on Certain Energy Generation Projects, sponsored by Sen. Heather Sanborn (D-Cumberland). The bill would require Maine Revenue Services (MRS) to value property of an energy generation project that is located partially in the unorganized territory and partially in organized territory and to allocate the value to the organized territory appropriately.   

Linda Caprara testified that the Maine State Chamber has a history of supporting bills like LD 1898 that would require MRS to value large industrial property. Caprara testified that valuing large industrial property, such as that associated with energy projects, is very complicated. She also noted that MRS has the expertise to value these properties appropriately and fairly across the board so that there are not wide variations or discrepancies in value for the same property from one municipality to another. She said, the same property should be valued the same way regardless of where it is located. 
       
In addition, the bill would also allow a municipality to pursue the same fair course of action afforded a taxpayer when appealing a value, that is to take their case before the State Board of Appeals.
               
If you have any questions, please contact Linda Caprara by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 106, or lcaprara@mainechamber.org.