Paris hearing on quarterly taxes planned

PARIS —  Selectmen are looking for feedback and input from taxpayers on a proposal to switch to quarterly tax collection.

During their meeting Monday, selectmen voiced support for the plan, but stated their desire for public input.

A public hearing concerning the changes is tentatively scheduled for late March or early April.

Earlier this month, Town Manager Amy Bernard told selectmen the town could ease future cash-flow shortages and prevent the possibility of taking out a Tax Anticipation Note next year by implementing quarterly collection.

Different collection dates need to be approved by voters at the annual town meeting, Bernard said Monday, correcting her earlier assertion that the board could approve the changes.

According to Bernard, Bridgton, Pownal and Fairfield currently collect quarterly payments and reported to her the practice was excellent for stable cash flow.

The plan could increase the workload for town office employees, but Bernard said the added collection months, August and February, were usually slower months.

A bigger issue, Bernard said, was publicizing the change – she worried some taxpayers wouldn't pay attention to the change and continue with the same collection schedule in November and May.

Board members showed support for the measure, but agreed educating taxpayers was key to its success.

Selectmen Bob Kirchherr and Robert Wessels also said the board should get residents' input on the changes.

During the meeting, resident Franca Ainsworth said quarterly taxation would put a strain on taxpayers on fixed incomes, like herself. 

Bernard said other towns reported that taxpayers, even those on fixed incomes, found quarterly taxation easier to budget for.