An Act to Establish the Toddy Pond Watershed Management District
Sponsored By: Nina Milliken (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Pond district gets funding and tax protections
The district can seek grants, loans, gifts, and state funding like a municipality. It also qualifies for state watershed assistance, but the law promises no specific funding amount. Its property, rights, and franchises within the four towns are permanently exempt from local taxes. The district is also a governmental entity under the Maine Tort Claims Act. These protections apply to the district, not directly to household tax bills.
Toddy Pond waterfront owners pay assessments
The district's annual budget sets funding needs after counting expected grants, donations, loans, and other outside money. Towns collectively cover 50%, with each town's contribution requiring voter approval and payment before August 1 each year. Shares of that municipal half are Blue Hill 6%, Orland 43%, Penobscot 24%, and Surry 27%. Toddy Pond waterfront owners cover the other 50% through assessments based on shoreline frontage used for property taxes. Each lot or parcel counts no more than 250 feet. Any unpaid town share shifts to waterfront owners in that town, including towns that never join or withdraw. The board sets billing schedules and due dates; late payments accrue board-set interest consistent with Maine law. The district can place a lien on the property for unpaid assessments.
Local dam management with town participation rules
The law creates the Toddy Pond Watershed Management District to acquire, own, inspect, maintain, and operate the dam. It also manages water levels, flow, watershed policies, and related land and access rights. Operations require majority voter approval in at least one of Blue Hill, Orland, Penobscot, or Surry. Each town's referendum covers joining and funding its first-year share, after June 1, 2025, within two years of enactment. Towns that reject participation can vote again within that two-year window. First-year budget and town-share preparations take effect on enactment; the district's fiscal year runs July 1–June 30. A town can leave by majority vote of its legislative body, but needs district board approval and must meet board-set conditions. Missing contributions for two consecutive years also counts as withdrawal, subject to board conditions. Dissolution requires settling all assets and debts and approval from a majority of trustees.
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
Signed by Governor, ACTPS Chapter 9
6/18/2025This 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.
6/13/2025HousePASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
6/13/2025SenateReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-669) 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-669), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/13/2025SenateCONSENT 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-669).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/12/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES in concurrence
2/11/2025SenateCommittee 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
Amendment C-A (H-669), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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