2022.07.08--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 17

Please note: This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter and Town News & Announcements. Please excuse cross postings. To change your subscription settings, visit E-Alerts. 

General Information

• Online and Remote Services
• A Guide to Participating in Virtual Town Council Meetings

Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers. 

• News & Issues​​​​​​  
  • Falmouth's Revaluation: New Assessment Letters 
  • Senior Property Tax Assistance 
  • Citizen of the Year & Legacy Awards
  • New Neighbor Guide
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • West Falmouth Sewer Project Update
  • Pine Grove
  • Living Lawns
• Events
  • Concerts in the Park
  • From the Library: Summer Reading
  • Food Drive to Benefit Food Pantry
• Take Note
  • Construction Updates
  • Avian Flu
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Stay Informed

 Falmouth's Revaluation: New Assessment Letters 

Vision Government Solutions, working with Cumberland County Assessing and the Town of Falmouth, has completed Falmouth’s town-wide revaluation of all real property. New property assessments will be mailed next week. The new value indicated in your letter represents the value as of April 1, 2022. Note, the letter is not a tax bill, nor does it reflect any exemptions or tax credits for which you may be eligible. In August, the Town Assessor will establish a new, town-wide tax rate (known as the “commitment”) for the 2022/2023 tax year. This new tax rate will be reflected on your property tax bill in November.

At the Town Council meeting on Monday, July 11, Ben Thompson, Assessor, will provide an update on the revaluation to the Town Council. Below are some answers to common questions regarding the revaluation.

WHAT IS A REVALUATION?

A revaluation is the process of conducting the data collection and market analysis necessary to equalize the values of all properties within a municipality for the purpose of a fair distribution of the tax burden.

WHY CONDUCT A REVALUATION NOW?

Revaluations ensure fairness to all property owners. Falmouth’s last revaluation occurred in 2009. Over time, different properties increase in value at different rates. For example, the market may favor condos over single family homes or ranches over colonials. This can result in inequities. The revaluation equalizes all property values making property taxes more equitable for everyone.

HOW WAS THE VALUE OF MY PROPERTY DETERMINED?

Falmouth has undergone a Full Data Verification Revaluation. Data verification is accomplished through a physical inspection of each property. Over the past 18 months, data gatherers from Vision Government Solutions visited Falmouth properties for exterior and, in many cases, interior inspections. Assessors analyzed data gathered from these inspections and information documented from the last assessment, including the house style, location, neighborhood (if located in one), residential grade (quality), waterfrontage (including ocean and lake), utilities available, zoning, and usable land. An analysis of market sales between April 2021 and April 2022, replacement costs, and other factors also assist in the valuation of all property to its fair market value. A third-party auditor also reviewed Vision Government Solutions’ work to ensure its quality.

HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE NEW ASSESSMENT?

New assessment letters will be mailed to property owners the week of July 11. If you have not received a letter by July 20, see “How Can I See My New Assessment?” below or call 207-699-5335.

HOW CAN I SEE MY NEW ASSESSMENT?

You may review your new assessment data on the Vision Government Solutions appraisal web site beginning July 13.

• Visit www.vgsi.com and select the “TAXPAYER INFO” tab along the top of the page.
• Choose “ONLINE DATABASES” from the dropdown menu.
• Select the state of Maine symbol.
• Scroll to “Falmouth, ME,” and enter search information for your parcel.

I DISAGREE WITH MY ASSESSMENT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Property owners may review their new assessment with a representative of Vision Government Solutions by scheduling an informal telephone hearing. The deadline to make an appointment is July 28. Appointments may be scheduled in the following manner:

• ONLINE: Visit www.vgsi.com/schedules, click on “FALMOUTH MAINE HEARINGS,” and follow the instructions. To make appointments for more than one property, please use the number below.
• PHONE:  Call toll-free 1 -888-844-4300, 9am-4pm, Monday– Friday. Note: Call center operators taking appointments are not trained nor qualified to discuss home values or assessment data.

Informal hearings will be held primarily by phone however, in-person hearings are available on a limited basis and will be held by appointment in the Town Council Chambers at Falmouth Town Hall on July 27, 28 and August 2 if needed. If you are unable to attend a hearing by phone or in-person, you may present evidence supporting your opinion of the fair market value of your property to Vision Government Solutions in writing prior to July 28, 2022. Letters should be sent to Vision Government Solutions c/o Appraisal Dept., 1 Cabot Road, Suite 100, Hudson, MA 01749.

I MULTIPLIED MY NEW ASSESSMENT BY THE TAX RATE. IS THIS MY NEW TAX?

No. The new assessment value indicated in your property assessment letter does not include any exemptions or tax credits. Moreover, the tax rate for the 2022-2023 tax year will not be established until August. Multiplying by the current rate will not be a true reflection of your upcoming property tax bill. The new rate will be lower due to a higher town-wide assessed value. See graphic below, “Will My Taxes Go Up?”

IS THE REVALUATION AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TOWN TO RAISE ADDITIONAL TAX REVENUE? 

No. The revaluation process is revenue neutral. Municipalities do not gain additional tax revenue by increasing the town-wide value of real property. The Town will only assess the taxes necessary to meet annual approved budget expenditures. The revaluation process takes the existing budget and apportions it among property owners with improved equity.  See the graphic below, “Will My Taxes Go Up?”

IS THERE ANY WAY TO REDUCE MY PROPERTY TAXES?

Make sure you are taking advantage of all the programs and assistance available to you. There are several property tax exemptions and assistance programs available to qualifying residents, including the Homestead Exemption, Veterans Exemption, and Senior Tax Assistance Programs. Find information on Senior Property Tax assistance below and find additional information at:  www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/revaluation-project-2021-2022.

For more information on the revaluation project visit www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/revaluation-project-2021-2022 or call 207-699-5335.

Senior Property Tax Assistance 

Falmouth's Senior Property Tax Assistance Program

The Town of Falmouth is accepting applications for its Senior Property Tax Relief Program. The program is open to current Falmouth residents, age 62 or older, with an annual household income below $60,000. Both property owners and renters are eligible to apply. Refunds will be determined based on the number of valid applications received. Recipients will be refunded a proportional share of the available program funds based on income level. The total amount budgeted for this program in fiscal year 2023 is $60,000. Residents can mail in the application and backup documents to Town of Falmouth, Finance Department, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105. Or call Pete McHugh at 699-5311 to make an appointment to submit your application in person. Residents are encouraged to apply early. The deadline for applications is October 13, 2022. For additional information on program requirements and an application, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance, or contact Pete McHugh at 207-781-5253 x5311.

New Property Tax Law for Seniors

During its most recent session, the Maine Legislature passed a law that allows certain senior residents ages 65 and older to stabilize, or freeze, the property taxes on their homestead. The State will fully reimburse municipalities for lost revenue. The text of the new law can be found here. The law goes into effect on August 8, 2022 and applies to property tax years beginning April 1, 2023. Maine Revenue Services is currently drafting forms and instructions, along with guidance for applicants and municipalities, which will be released in advance of the law’s effective date in August. Additional information will be included in upcoming editions of this newsletter and via News & Announcements E-Alerts and by visiting:  https://www.falmouthme.org/finance/pages/senior-property-tax-assistance

Town of Falmouth Names 2021 Citizen of the Year and Legacy Award Recipients

Annual Ceremony Honors Municipal Volunteers

On Tuesday, June 22, the Town of Falmouth held its annual Municipal Recognition Ceremony to acknowledge the work of volunteers who serve on Town boards and committees and to thank them for their service to the community. The Town of Falmouth relies on several volunteer boards and committees to assist and advise the Falmouth Town Council and staff in carrying out the Council work plan each year. Approximately 125 individuals volunteer to serve on these boards, contributing thousands of hours of work each year.

In addition to recognizing the efforts of these volunteers, outgoing Town Council Chair Amy Kuhn presented Falmouth's 2021 Citizen of the Year Award to Richard Bicknell for his dedicated public service to the Falmouth community. The award, established in 1964, acknowledges exceptional contribution to the community and positive examples of citizenship. Passionate about the environment, Bicknell currently serves as Vice Chair of the Conservation Commission and as a member of the Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee. His work on the Conservation Commission included drafting Falmouth’s Pesticide and Fertilizer Ordinance and helping Falmouth to achieve its national designation as a Tree City. Bicknell also regularly volunteers as an election worker, manning the polls from opening to close. 

Councilor Kuhn also presented the Legacy Award to Carol Iverson Kauffman. The Legacy Award recognizes residents of Falmouth whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the improvement of the community’s civic, educational, recreational, and/or charitable organizations over a period of many years and whose contributions have left a legacy for future residents of Falmouth. Kauffman, a fourth-generation resident of Falmouth, is a graduate of Falmouth High School and has served in leadership roles in the Falmouth Congregational Church (as a Faith Community Nurse), Falmouth Historical Society (currently as a board member and in past roles as Treasurer and President), and OceanView at Falmouth. She has served on numerous Town Committees including Falmouth Senior Citizens Committee, Falmouth Wellness Committee (as Vice Chair), and she played an integral role in the Falmouth Tercentennial Committee. 

To learn more about the Citizen of the Year and Legacy awards and this year's recipients, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-council-town-manager/pages/citizen-of-the-year-2021

New Neighbor Guide

We are pleased to present the Falmouth New Neighbor Guide! The guide is intended to inform new residents of Town services and provide a directory of Town departments. Additionally, the guide includes a history of Falmouth, a listing of local non-profits and recreational opportunities, as well as resources for senior residents. View the guide here.

West Falmouth Sewer Project: Work Begins July 18 on Middle Road

As noted in a recent edition of The Falmouth Focus, work is moving ahead on the West Falmouth Sewer Master Plan, including upsizing the Falmouth Road Pump Station, its associated force main, and the sewer piping on Woods Road and Middle Road. These upgrades are critical to maintaining the efficient conveyance and treatment of wastewater, particularly from West Falmouth. Work will begin on July 18 on Middle Road, starting at Lunt Road and ending at the Woods Road roundabout. Residents can expect delays when travelling through this work zone. Work is anticipated to continue into September. 

The chart below indicates a tentative schedule for additional upcoming work, including various locations and the anticipated impact to traffic.  Note, this is a tentative schedule and subject to change.

For the most current information on the project, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/west-falmouth-sewer-project and subscribe to West Falmouth Sewer Project E-Alerts for regular email updates. For questions or more information, contact the Wastewater Department at 207-781-4462.

Pine Grove Preserve Forestry Management Schedule Update

The harvesting of trees at Pine Grove Preserve, planned for this summer, has been slightly delayed while boundary surveying is completed. Weather dependent, the harvest is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Work will take approximately three weeks, again depending on weather. The preserve will be closed during the harvest. Residents can expect heavy equipment moving in and out of the preserve, more truck traffic on Route 88, and noise during working hours.  

While the harvest may appear extreme, it is necessary to address significant safety issues by removing the most dangerous hazards and will also improve the health of the forest, culling it of invasive plants and dead or dying trees to allow for new growth of both pines and hardwoods. To learn more about the history of the preserve, the challenges presented by this property, the management plan developed to address these issues, and what work residents can expect, check out, "Focus on Pine Grove," a series of articles which appeared in The Falmouth Focus in early 2022. For more information or questions, email openspace@falmouthme.org.

Living Lawns

Living Lawns offers lawn care tips to help make your lawn healthy and vibrant. Over the spring, summer, and fall, Falmouth's Conservation Commission will share tips in The Falmouth Focus and on social media. 

Tip #9: Reduce high maintenance lawn areas to the greatest extent possible by increasing the proportion of the property devoted to ground covers, shrub beds, and woodland. Reducing the size of your lawn also saves time and energy on lawn maintenance. In addition, smaller-sized lawns will reduce the use of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers. Varied plantings offer shelter and feeding opportunities for wildlife. Another benefit is that attractive, low-maintenance landscaping adds value to the home. Be sure to plant native species whenever possible!

Tip #10: Native plants provide more value to the natural world than you may realize. Native plants feed bird species either directly with fruits and seeds or indirectly by supporting the native insects birds can eat. Once established, native plants generally require little maintenance. Because native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions, they require far fewer resources, saving time, money, and perhaps the most valuable natural resource, water. When you’re thinking of adding more plants to your landscape, consider all the benefits of native plants. Maine Audubon and your local nurseries are great resources to help make your selection.

For more information, visit the Livings Lawns web page at: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDIFW/bulletins/31d9e0e

Bird Flu Outbreak 

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is currently managing an outbreak of Highly Pathogen Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Avian Influenza or Bird Flu. Reports of dead or dying birds along coastal beaches has increased. While avian flu viruses do not normally make humans sick, infection can occur. In a recent bulletin, officials advised the following:

1. Do NOT touch or remove any dead or dying birds that you encounter on beaches or other public property.

2. DO NOT transport birds that appear to be sick or injured to any rehab facility as it may further spread the virus.

3. Birds found dead on private land and/or beaches can be removed by the homeowner at their discretion. If removed, use masks and gloves when doing so.

4. If an eagle is found, call Maine Police dispatch at 207-624-7076.

For more information, visit: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDIFW/bulletins/31d9e0e

Town Council Meetings, Monday, July 11, 7:00pm

The Town Council will meet on Monday, July 11 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall in the Town Council Chambers as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by either attending the meeting in person or via Zoom. The agenda and Zoom link can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect and participate remotely via computer or phone. The public may also watch (no participation option) the meeting on Channel 2 or on the Town website streaming channel. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5335. 

Town Council Annual Work Planning Session, July 12, 8:30am

The Town Council will hold its annual work planning meeting on Tuesday, July 12 from 8:30am-4:30pm in the Town Council Chambers at Falmouth Town Hall. An agenda can be found here.  

At the Most Recent Town Council Meetings…

The Town Council held its Annual Caucus on June 20. An agenda can be found here.

• The Council discussed the 2022-2023 Council leadership and committee liaisons.

The Town Council held a meeting on June 20. An agenda and video can be found here.

• The Council approved an order to certify the June 14, 2022 Election Results.
• The Council approved an order for the 2022-2023 Council Leadership and Committee Appointments.
• The Council approved the minutes of the May 9, May 16, and May 23 Council Meetings.
• The Council approved an order to change the date of 2022/2023 Council meetings impacted by holidays.
• The Council entered Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss real estate rights, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (C).

Planning Board

The July 5 Planning Board meeting was postponed until July 12 due to lack of a quorum. The board will consider the items below. An agenda can be found here.  

• 38 Pleasant Hill Road – Casco Bay Realty II, LLC – Request for Private Way Amendment to provide frontage and access for 1 additional house lot. Map/lot U32-056-001; Zoned RA, RCZO. Previously Tabled.
• 52 Woodville Road – Falmouth School Department – Request for Site Plan Amendment for the placement of 3 modular classroom buildings. Map/lot R05-020; Zoned RD, RCZO.

Please note: Planning Board agendas for upcoming meetings may not always be complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. Within the agendas, when possible, links will be provided to direct users to any additional information available on projects at the time of publication, including building elevations, plans, and images when available. Information on Planning Board projects and activities, including agendas and minutes, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board. For additional information or questions, contact Lisa Sangillo at 207-699-5303 or lsangillo@falmouthme.org

Board of Zoning Appeals 

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider the following items at its meeting on June 28. An agenda can be found here. 

• 9 Avon Road – Jeffrey Bush – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for a tear-down and rebuild of an existing non-conforming garage.  Map/lot U01-080; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD.  WITHDRAWN
• 28 Hammond Road – John & Sherman Kendall – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to replace an existing patio with a deck.  Map/lot U02-015; Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR, WVOD.  APPROVED
• 23 Phillips Road – Carrie Hansen – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for approval of 22” of additional foundation.  Map/lot U01-048; Zoned RA, RCZO, WVOD. APPROVED
• 25 Brown Street – Scott & Alise Koocher – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for a tear down and rebuild.  Map/lot U02-001-A; Zoned RA, RCZO, SZ-LR, WVOD. APPROVED

For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals

Stay Informed with the Town of Falmouth Website and E-Alerts

There are many Town committees and boards that meet on a regular basis. The events calendar on the Town of Falmouth website homepage lists upcoming board, committee, and Town Council meetings. We send E-Alerts when Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting agendas and minutes are posted to the website. Subscribe via E-Alerts to those that most interest you. Agendas and Minutes for these meetings are also posted online and can be accessed from the home page. Town Council, Planning Board, and School Board meetings are live-streamed on Falmouth Community TV Channel 1301 (Former Channel 2). Recordings of these meetings are also available for viewing online. Board of Zoning Appeals Meetings are not broadcast live but can be viewed online within 24 hours after the meeting. E-Alerts allows you to subscribe to specific e-mail lists about Town-related issues that interest you. The Falmouth Focus, this bi-weekly newsletter, is another way to stay in the loop. Subscribe via E-Alerts. Please let us know what kind of information you would like to see included in your town newsletter.