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MaineLD 529132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Establish the Alamoosook Lake Watershed Management District

Sponsored By: Nina Milliken (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

DAMSDAMS - MAINTENANCE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.

Tax exempt status and legal protections

All property the district owns in Orland is permanently exempt from property tax. The district is treated as a government under Maine’s Tort Claims Act, so legal claims follow state rules for government entities.

District takes over dam and lake

The district is responsible for the Alamoosook Lake dam. It manages water levels, inspections, repairs, and upgrades. It works on fish passage, courtesy boat inspections, water testing, and invasive‑species control. It can partner with towns, districts, and others, and can sue, contract, buy or sell property, borrow, and accept grants and gifts.

Town and waterfront owners split costs

Once voters approve the district, the Town of Orland pays 50% of the district’s annual budget, due before August 1. Waterfront owners pay the rest through assessments based on shoreline frontage, capped at 300 feet per lot. The district mails bills; late payments accrue interest and can trigger a property lien. If the Town does not fund its share, that shortfall is added to waterfront owners’ assessments.

More grant and state help options

The district can apply for grants and loans like a town. It is eligible for state watershed assistance under Title 38, section 2012. The law does not guarantee a specific dollar amount.

Budget rules and public vote steps

The fiscal year is July 1 to June 30. The board holds a public budget hearing and must finish the budget by January 15 each year. Budgets under $100,000 pass by a majority that includes one town‑appointed trustee; $100,000 or more needs two‑thirds approval. The $100,000 level is updated yearly for inflation. Each year the board asks the Town for funding by a warrant article due by February 1 and holds a public meeting at least two weeks before the Town vote. Early on, town requests may only cover amounts above what the Town had already appropriated.

How Orland can leave or dissolve

Orland may withdraw by a majority vote of its legislative body; missing the town contribution two years in a row counts as withdrawal. After withdrawal, the board may set operating conditions. The district can dissolve after paying its debts and disposing of assets, with a majority trustee vote.

Town vote to create the district

The district’s powers take effect only if a majority of Orland voters approve at a town referendum. The vote must happen after June 1, 2025 and within two years of the law’s effective date. Town officers prepare an estimated first‑year budget and set the Town’s 50% share for the ballot question. The law is in effect to organize and prepare the referendum.

Who runs the lake district board

The board has five trustees: three appointed by Orland and two elected by waterfront owners. Waterfront candidates must be nominated by a lake or pond group that represents at least 20% of waterfront properties. One authorized voter per property can vote; ballots allow write-ins. Initial terms are staggered; vacancies follow set rules. A majority is a quorum, and votes must include at least one town‑appointed and one waterfront‑elected trustee. The board sets operating rules, may form expert committees, runs elections, and handles finances and records. If Orland later withdraws, seats shift to one town seat and four waterfront seats.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nina Milliken

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • David Haggan

    Republican • Senate

  • Matt Moonen

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole C. Grohoski

    Democratic • Senate

  • Steven Bishop

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    5/1/2026

  2. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/13/2025House

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    6/13/2025Senate

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-670) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-670), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/13/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-670).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/12/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES in concurrence

    2/11/2025Senate

  8. Committee on Environment and Natural Resources suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/11/2025House

Bill Text

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