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Town of New Gloucester
385 Intervale Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260
(207) 926-4126 (phone) / (207) 926-4136 (fax)
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Town of Poland
1231 Maine Street, Poland, ME 04274
(207) 998-4601 (phone) / (207) 998-2002 (fax)
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Updated Revenue Forecast
The Revenue Forecasting Committee (RFC) has concluded a rare “off-cycle” update of its most recent revenue forecast (March 1, 2020) in order to incorporate the new economic forecast released by the Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission (CEFC) on July 1, 2020 and to provide the Governor and Legislature with a revenue forecast that reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Revenue Forecasting Committee's August report has reduced projected tax revenue for fiscal year FY 21 by $527.8 Million, and the FY 22/23 biennium by $883.2 Million. Highway Fund tax revenue has also been reduced by over $30 Million per year. The General Fund summary can be found online at http://legislature.maine.gov/doc/4433.
Update Regarding Packages of Unsolicited Seeds from China
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) issued an update for people receiving unsolicited packages containing seeds, purportedly sent from China. The DACF is instructing seed recipients to visit https://www.Maine.gov/dacf/seeds and follow the instructions outlined on the form. The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Smuggling, Interdiction, and Trade Compliance Unit is currently investigating this situation across the nation.
About the Mystery Seeds
- In Maine and across the U.S., people are reporting receiving unsolicited packages containing seeds. Recipients should hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, and refer to this form.
- While the exact types of seeds in the packages are unknown, the seeds are thought to possibly be either invasive or pose a plant health risk, and not believed to be harmful to humans or pets. The seeds could pose a significant risk to agriculture or the environment.
- The seeds are usually sent in white packages displaying Chinese lettering and the words "China Post." Most recipients say they did not order anything and that the packaging was labeled as jewelry. Some recipients have reported ordering seeds on Amazon and receiving these seeds.
- Recipients are asked to place the seeds and shipping envelope (if available) into a re-sealable baggie and mail them to the following address for identification and processing: USDA-APHIS-PPQ, 15 Iron Road, Suite 1, Hermon, ME 04401.
COVID-19 Related Camping and Day-use Updates
All State parks and historic sites are currently open for day use; some have parking restrictions in place.
COVID-19 Precautions and What to Expect When You Visit These Beaches and Parks
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Reduced Parking- To address the potential for crowding issues, some parks may have reduced parking.
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Reduced Length of Visit - Please be prepared to limit your stay so that others may enjoy the park too.
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Physical Distancing- In order to maintain the ability to keep these arks open, please keep at least six feet from staff and from others not in your household.
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Wear Masks- All visitors are required to carry a mask at all times and be prepared to wear one in public buildings and when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
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Restrooms- Facilities may be limited, so plan accordingly. Please bring your own hand sanitizer.
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Quarantine - Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on July 3,State park and public land use is for residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey without need of a 14-day quarantine or testing. All other vistors must continue to follow the 14-day quarantine requirement or negative COVID-19 testing. All visitors are required to carry a mask at all times and be prepared to wear one in public buildings and when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
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Monitoring & Changes- Conditions are being monitored, and changes to existing policies will be made as necessary. Cooperation is necessary, while your patience and support are appreciated!
Additional camping and day-use details can be found online here.
COVID-19 Rental Relief Program
The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is for renters who cannot afford to pay their rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Program expands upon the previous rent relief program through MaineHousing. You can apply for this expanded program even if you applied for and received funds under the other program.
The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program provides up to $1,000 per month for a maximum of three (3) months for rent not covered by any other federal, State or local program. The three-month period is for prior months and/or the current month. The applicant is the renter and the benefit is paid directly to the landlord. If the landlord agrees to participate in the program, the landlord is postponing the balance of the payment, not forgiving it, and further agrees not to evict for non-payment of rent for the month(s) for which the COVID-19 Rent Relief was applied.
Applications for the COVID-19 Rental Relief Program – Expanded will processed by Community Action Agencies. Please visit the Maine Community Action Association’s Web site to fill out an online application. You may apply for each month’s rent you cannot pay up to three (3) months total. The benefit is retroactive, so you may apply for past months and the current month at the same time. You may not apply for a future month. You will need to apply again if need help for future months and have not reached the maximum $3,000 limit.
For more information, please click here.
Maine Deadline to Apply for Any-Deer Permits August 17, 2020
You are able to enter the Maine Any-Deer Permit Lottery using this online service. From the list of lottery applicants, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W) will administer a chance drawing to select winners for an any-deer hunting permit. To hunt any deer in Maine, hunters must have one of these special any-deer hunting permits.
Please note, you may only supply the MDIF&W with one application for the lottery per year. If it is found that an applicant has applied more than one time in a year, that applicant will be disqualified.
- Applications must be completed by 11:59 pm (ET) on August 17, 2020.
- A chance drawing will be held on September 11, 2020.
Who can use this service?
- You are eligible to apply if you have a current valid Maine big game hunting license (complimentary and lifetime licenses are acceptable). Note -- landowners planning to hunt on their own land without a license can apply online without a hunting license.
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- You are a resident of the United States or Canada (foreign residents must contact the MDIF&W for help in applying for an any-deer permit).
What will I need?
To complete the application you will need:
- current big game hunting license (or complimentary or lifetime license). Note -- landowners planning to hunt on their own land without a license can apply online without a hunting license;
- districts wishing to hunt in;
- personal information (name, address, age, etc.); and
- landowner information (if applicable -- including acres and town).
Fees
There are no fees to apply for the Any-Deer Permit Lottery.
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