Houlton denies Maliseet tax break
A request for a tax break from the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians has been denied by the Houlton Town Council, the Houlton Pioneer Times reported.
The Maliseets requested a waiver of $46,373 the band owed to the town for the 2016 budget year, the newspaper reported.
Under the payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, program, the Maliseets have been asked to make payments in the past to offset losses in tax revenues from tax-exempt tribal lands. The town has had an agreement with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians that allows the tribe to request a waiver of some or all its annual payment to the town, provided the Maliseets have done improvements that somehow benefit the town. But for the years 2012-2015, the Maliseets still owe the town $190,228 under the PILOT program, Houlton Town Manager Butch Asselin told the paper. Interest also could potentially be assessed on those unpaid debts.
Asselin said the town would be working with the tribal council and chief commander to come to a solution over the unpaid payments.
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