Staff Writer
HOULTON — The fight against Gov. John Baldacci’s proposed 2008 budget has once again hit close to home for Houlton residents with the proposed closing of the town’s Maine Revenue Service office.
The Governor claims that approximately $400,000 in funding could be saved by closing the Houlton office. On Tuesday, representatives attended a public hearing in Augusta to dispute the Governor’s plans. The local office employs 14 people, which means the loss of significant income to the town.
Town councilors briefly discussed the issue during Monday night’s council meeting.
“Once again, we’ve got to try to fight the governor to keep this office open,” explained Council Chair Paul Cleary. “The legislators know that and those are the people that are going to fight for us.”
Although the matter is just a proposal at the moment, the concern is still there that the town could lose those valued positions.
“I’m not sure what the timeline is, but if they close it, it will probably be the middle of June,” explained Town Councilor Nancy Ketch.
Ketch is also an employee of the Maine Revenue Services.
Former Town Councilor Phil Bernaiche commented on the issue and expressed his concern over the proposed plans. However, not everyone is a supporter of the office remaining in town. Stan Ginish feels that the MRS office is not a town matter.
“I think the town shouldn’t be getting involved in this, these are government jobs,” said Ginish. “This isn’t anything against anybody personally. I think these cuts have got to come and they should be across the board for everything.”
The proposal suggests transferring the 14 current positions downstate. Councilors insist the loss of 14 incomes would result in an economic hardship on the town.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.
