Frequently Asked Questions - Town of Orland

5 Town Dam Committee: Representatives from the 5 Town Dam Committee met at the Bucksport Town Office on Wednesday, December 18th to discuss new developments regarding Bucksport Mill LLC’s petition to abandon the Toddy, Alamoosook, and Silver Lake dams. Outreach Enhancements The group discussed enhanced efforts to increase public awareness of the status of the dams and to encourage citizens to contribute to funding the costs incurred by the 5 Towns for legal representation in our discussions with the current dam owner. In addition to the current effort to distribute our bi-weekly statement via print media, email, website posts, and Facebook page postings the group is looking for additional avenues to engage with citizens. Ownership Models It is recognized that the Silver Lake dam is very unique in that it is a public water supply and also provides cooling water for an electricity generating plant. Its future most likely will follow a different path from that of the Alamoosook and Toddy dams. The four towns abutting Alamoosook Lake and Toddy Pond believe the State of Maine should conclude that there is sufficient justification (regional recreational value; important fish, bird, and other wildlife habitat) for the state to assume ownership of the dams. However, the towns also believe that developing an alternative ownership contingency plan is prudent given the uncertainties and time frames involved. Thus the four towns associated with Alamoosook and Toddy have been working with our local legislators to have special bipartisan legislation introduced in the state legislature that would create waterfront protection districts that would have the authority to 1) own and operate the dam creating the relevant body of water (Alamoosook and Toddy) 2) assess special taxes/fees on property owners fronting the respective water body and those with deeded access, and 3) potentially incorporate a provision for mandatory contributions by abutting municipalities to defray a portion of the dam ownership costs. There are numerous local water districts formed by similar legislation that provide potable water within the defined district area, charging water rates to users in order to generate funds for operating and capital costs. Although these districts are not the preferred outcome, the four towns believe that, if successfully formed, they would provide a long-term solution to maintaining the dams and the lake/pond water levels, since the taxing authority would provide a relatively certain, stable source of funds for operations. Private ownership of the dams exposes both the property owners and the municipalities to a variety of risks, such as inadequate funding, a new petition to abandon the dam, bankruptcy, and lack of representation/control by the property owners. While creating this entity can be done via legislation at the state level, Implementation of this effort would be completely subject to municipal voter approval. The group will seek public input on the details of the design and will be gauging the public support for such an entity. Legislative Support Steve Bishop - HD 17 Representative, and David Haggan Senate District 10 along with HD- 36 Representative Kim Haggan attended the meeting. All three pledged support for the bipartisan legislation and offered their assistance in working with DEP to gain support for the Towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Town of Orland's tax year and tax due dates? The Orland tax year is July 1st to June 30th. The tax bills are sent to property owners in July with the 1st half due September 30th, and the 2nd half due March 31st.

What do you need to register a vehicle? For a reregistration we will need mileage and proof of insurance. For a Dealer sale new registration, we will need the blue title application, a bill of sale showing sales tax has been paid, proof of insurance, and if the vehicle was never previously titled, we will the need the maroney lablel/window sticker. For a Private sale new registration, we will need the title properly completed, a bill of sale, and proof of insurance. If you are new to our municipality: If you are from another town in Maine, we will also need proof of residency and your previous registration in addition to the mileage and proof of insurance. If you are new to Maine, we will need proof of residency, the title or lien holder information, the previous registration, mileage, and proof of Maine insurance.

What do you need for Marriage License? We will need to see identification, and if you were previously married we will need the most recent divorce decree or the death certificate. The marriage license is $40. There is no waiting period once you receive marriage license.

What do you need to use the Transfer Station? The transfer station is for Orland residents only, and proof of residency is required to use the facility. Orland residents are required to show the attendant the vehicle registration to prove residency, and the attendant will affix a Transfer Station Sticker to the vehicle. Only residential trash may be discarded at the Transfer Station.