From The Scarborough Leader

Editor:

I recently received some very valuable information that should be made available to seniors and any citizens of Scarborough who may be struggling to pay their property taxes. Having worked for more than 15 years with seniors as they contemplate moving from their home to a retirement community, I have seen first hand how stressful the issue of property taxes has become. Sean Flaherty, a Scarborough native and candidate for the Maine House of Representatives in Scarborough, is trying to spread the word that little known state funds are available that will ease the burden of Scarborough property taxes, due on Oct. 15.

It is so encouraging to have a young man like Sean Flaherty looking out for seniors and others in Scarborough who may be having difficulty during these very uncertain economic times. He grew up in Scarborough, and in talking with people during his campaign for the Maine House, has found many who are retired, have no source of income, and cannot write a check to the town for a growing property tax bill. Those folks should be told of the methods of help available to them.

Maine residents who paid more than 4 percent of their 2007 income in property taxes may qualify for a rebate. Renters may qualify if they paid more than 20 percent of their income in rent. For low-income seniors, the 4 percent and 20 percent limits are waived. This Maine’s Property Tax and Rent “Circuit Breaker” Refund Program was created to keep people faced with high property values in their homes, but for years, fewer than half of those who qualify for the rebate have filed to receive it.

To apply for the rebate, you can pick up an application at Town Hall, call Sean Flaherty at 450-4188, email him at seanflahertyforscarborugh@gmail.com, or even file online. The online application is available at  www.maine.gov/taxrelief/revenue. Additional tax reductions are available at the same website for veterans and their relatives, farmers, homeowners, and many businesses. Thank you to Sean for his concern for the citizens of Scarborough during these very challenging financial times.

Gloria Walker
Scarborough