The Town of Surry will hold a Public Hearing on April 10, 2024 at 6pm at the Surry Elementary School Gym to discuss the GSA referendum article that will be on the Town Election Ballot.
The Town Election will be held at the Town Office on April 26, 2024. Polls will be open from 8am-8pm. Absentee Ballots are available at the Town Office.
The Towns of Blue Hill, Brooksville, and Surry are working with GEI Consultants and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to determine projected local climate impacts and community vulnerabilities so that the towns can plan for a more resilient future. We need your help! Local data is essential to ensure that this plan reflects the culture, community, and realities of these towns. Here are some ways that you can participate:
-Provide household level climate impact and action data through the Climate Adaptation Survey, a crucial step towards understanding and addressing the climate challenges facing your community. http://tinyurl.com/bd5rrk35
In May and June of 2023, over 330 Surry residents completed the Community Survey distributed by the Comprehensive Plan Committee, providing the Committee with very helpful input for creating our next Plan. That Plan should provide guidance to Town leaders on various boards and committees making decisions for the Town over the next five to ten years. You can access the results of the Survey by clicking on the following link. Thanks for your interest in the future of our town!
The Treasurer is a part-time position that is responsible for the day-to-day handling and oversight of town funds; accounting, and financial reporting. The Treasurer is appointed by, and directly responsible to, the Select Board, and is a key member of the town’s management team. Requirements of the position include sound knowledge of accounting principles and practices, relevant experience, and exceptional computer skills. The candidate will be expected to effectively and harmoniously work with the public, town boards and committees, department heads, and other office staff. Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, or business administration is preferred, but practical experience may be substituted for this requirement. The position will be open until filled. Please send your cover letter, resume and three work-related references to Darcel Winslow at taxcollector@townofsurrymaine.com or mail to: Town of Surry Attn: Select Board 741 North Bend Road Surry, ME 04684
The LD290 "Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens" program, enacted in August 2022 was repealed by the Maine Legislature on July 6, 2023. The repeal of this program means there will be no reapplication processand no need to follow-up with the Assessing Department or Town Office in August/September, as previously communicated. Although the program has been repealed, your initial application will still be administered this year for the current Tax Commitment in July of 2023-FY24. As a result, approximately 153 eligible Surry applicants will only be responsibly for the “frozen” property tax bill amount for the 2023-FY23 billing cycle – this amount will be equal to the tax amount the owner was billed in 2022-FY23, unless their new billed amount would be lower, in which case they’d owe the lower of the two amounts. Per the law, the State will reimburse the town for 100% of the difference between actual and frozen taxes.
*It is important to note that these are state programs and while the town plays a role in the administration of them, the town is not responsible for the policy objectives of these initiatives. Any questions or concerns owners have regarding this program should be directed to your legislative representative. To find your representative, please visit: State Representatives
To help lower income seniors avoid higher property taxes and remain in their homes, two existing state programs are being expanded: The Property Tax Fairness Credit – allows eligible Mainers to receive a $1,500 credit, has increased to $2,000 and also loosens limits on the program in a way that allows the benefits to remain constant for a Mainer whose spouse passes away. Note: This program is not administered by the Town of Surry. To claim the credit, you must file a 1040ME and Schedule PTFC/STFC for the tax year during which the property tax or rent was paid. For assistance, please call 207-624-9784 or visit: Property Tax Fairness Credit Information
The State Property Tax Deferral Program – a lifeline loan program that covers the annual property tax bills of Maine seniors age 65 and older who cannot afford to pay them on their own, has been expanded. It doubles the income limit on that program to $80,000 and also raises asset limits. Taxes must be paid back when the home is sold or becomes part of an estate. This program is administered by the state; however, applications must be filed with the Assessor’s Office between January 1 and April 1 each year. Applications are forwarded to Maine Revenue Services who review and make determination for acceptance and approval. Questions can be referred to Maine Revenue Services, Property Tax Division at 207-624-5600 or prop.tax@maine.gov. For more information please visit: Tax Deferral Program Information
I have FINALLY been able to get an active link on our site to notify you of changes/additions/deletions to our website!
To sign up for this service, click on the quick link: Subscribe here then a page will come up that asks for your email address; you must enter your email address for the rest of the page to work properly.
Then below your email address, click on the items you want to be notified about. Alerts/ Calendar and News are the choices. If you choose the calendar button for example, every time a change is made to the calendar, you will get an email.
Did you know you can save $30 per month on your internet service? If your income is at or below: 1 person $27,180 2 people $36,320 3 people $46,060 4 people $55,500 5 people $64,940 6 people $74,380 7 people $83,820
Or if you participate in certain State or Government assistance programs. Please call 1-877-384-2575 or visit fcc.gov/acp If you need help with your application, please call the Town Office to be connected with a Surry Broadband Volunteer. 667-5912.
Did you know...?? Downeast transportation bus service goes through Surry and makes a stop at Pugnuts! Check out the Downeast Transportation schedule on their website. Downeast Transportation Bus Schedule