HOULTON, Maine — Tax breaks for an upcoming business expansion were the talk of Monday night’s Town Council meeting.
Madigan Estates, an 86-bed skilled and long-term care facility on Military Street, has a $1.2 million expansion in the works and councilors gave their initial OK to creating a tax increment financing (TIF) district for the project.
“We’re making a substantial investment in the community, and we really appreciate your consideration of this,” said Jim Brown, speaking for Madigan Estates. “We’re really excited about this and we think it will be good for everyone involved.”
The expansion could not only make room for additional beds, it would also add about 15 new full-time jobs at the facility. Brown said that in addition to adding on the new square footage, they’re also planning renovations to some of the existing building.
“There’s a tremendous unmet need [for these services],” said Brown. “Most local providers are at capacity right now.”
The plan to forge ahead with creating incentives for this project gained unanimous approval and praise from Councilor Sue Tortello.
“I’m just thrilled about this. I think it will be good for Madigan and good for the town,” she said.
Interim Town Manager Butch Asselin said the process of creating a TIF for Madigan could take up to six months.
“This is just the first step in a very intensive process,” he told the panel.
Eaton Peabody Consulting Group has been enlisted to help the town navigate the process of creating a TIF; cost for their services could reach $15,000.
In other news, councilors also gave the nod to an agreement between the town of Monticello and Houlton Ambulance Services.
Most recently, Monticello contracted with Presque Isle-based Crown Ambulance for emergency services, but had approached former town manager Eugene Conlogue about the possibility of a new partnership. According to information presented at Monday’s meeting, the agreement would require no additional equipment or staff for Houlton Ambulance Service and come with a price tag of $10,388 for Monticello. Service could begin July 1 if a deal is inked.
Also at the May 12 meeting, the follow items were addressed.
Rosa McNally was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the SAD 29 school board. She will fill the seat until the next municipal election in November.
A motion to reappoint members to a Personnel Board of Appeals was unanimously tabled.
Prior to adjourning to an executive session for reviewing resumes, Council Chair Paul Cleary announced that 18 people have applied to fill the town manager vacancy.
“The process has begun and we will keep everyone updated,” he added.
