LPC Nominations
The deadline to accept nominations for candidates for July 2006 – June 2008 term of MMA’s 70-member Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) is June 30, 2006 by 5:00 p.m. Nomination forms were sent out to key municipal officials on May 31, 2006. Ballots will be mailed to key municipal officials in early July.
For more details on the nomination process, MMA’s advocacy program, or to download a nomination form on MMA’s website, go to http://www.memun.org/public/MMA/svc/SFR/LPC/nominating.htm or call MMA’s State & Federal Relations staff at 1-800-452-8786.
NEW TABOR INFO
MMA’s website, www.memun.org, is constantly being updated with new information regarding TABOR (the Taxpayer Bill of Rights). TABOR is the citizens’ initiative that will be placed before Maine voters this November. If passed, TABOR would have a profound impact on Maine’s municipalities, counties, schools and utility districts.
If you have questions regarding TABOR, contact MMA’s State & Federal Relations staff, 1-800-452-8786.
MMA CONVENTION
Plans are progressing regarding the MMA Annual Convention which will be held October 4-6 at the Augusta Civic Center.
Wednesday of convention will be devoted to legislative issues, including an indepth discussion of the upcoming vote on the TABOR citizens’ initiative. Thursday will include tracks of sessions on various topics of municipal interest. Friday, until noon, will be an interactive session regarding the legislative platforms/priorities of MMA and a number of MMA Affiliate Groups.
Mark your calendars now for the 70 th Annual Convention of the Maine Municipal Association, October 4, 5 and 6 at the Augusta Civic Center.
GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING
The Maine Municipal Tax Collectors & Treasurers Association (MMTCTA) will offer its two-day workshop, Governmental Accounting II, on July 13-14 at the Augusta Civic Center.
This workshop builds upon the Governmental Accounting I workshop, offered in June, that introduced municipal officials to the principles and practices of governmental accounting. This advanced accounting workshop covers GASB 34, major funding testing, encumbrances, financial statements, audits, and CAFR certification programs.
The instructor is Heather Hunter, deputy finance director in Lewiston.
Registration is $80 for MMTCTA members and $95 for others. For more information, contact MMA’s Training & Affiliate office, 1-800-452-8786.
RECREATION GRANTS
The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands has announced a deadline of November 9, 2006 for grant applications for construction and maintenance of recreational trails through the federally-funded Recreational Trails Program. This grant round will provide for the distribution of funds available from the anticipated federal fiscal year 2007 appropriation to the State of Maine from the Federal Highway Administration. Funds available to municipalities and nonprofit trail organizations for construction and maintenance projects are expected to be approximately $550,000, while approximately $40,000 is anticipated to be available for projects that promote trail safety education or environmental education. The program, administered by the Maine Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands with assistance from the Maine Trails Advisory Committee, can provide 80% matching grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations. Project sponsors may apply for grants of up to $10,000, $30,000, or $100,000 (motorized bridge projects only) in federal funding for construction projects and a maximum of $5,000 for safety education or environmental education projects.
Program funds may be used to maintain existing recreational trails, restore areas damaged by trail use, develop public access trailhead and trailside facilities, provide features that facilitate the access and use of trails by people with disabilities, acquire easements or property for trail corridors, and construct new trails. Applications must be postmarked by the November 9, 2006 deadline to be considered for funding.
The educational component of the program allows for shared funding for safety education and environmental education projects related to recreational trails. Projects submitted under this aspect of the Recreational Trails Program can include, for example, development of safety signs for trail users, publication of trail safety or environmental brochures and instructional program development for trail safety or environmental education issues.
Further information and applications for funding are available on line at: http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/community/PDF/trailsmanual2007.pdf or by calling 287-4962, or through e-mail: bud.newell@maine.gov
MUNICIPAL LAW FOR CLERKS
The Maine Town & City Clerks Association (MTCCA) will hold its “Municipal Law for Clerks” workshop on July 20 at the Augusta Civic Center.
This workshop is for veteran clerks as well as newcomers. It includes basic information on the position of municipal clerk, municipal records and the Right-to-Know law, ordinance authority and enactment procedures, conflict of interest, and election issues.
Registration is $50 for MTCCA members and $60 for non-members. For more information, contact the MMA Training & Affiliate office at 1-800-452-8786.
CLERKS NETWORKING
The “2006 Northern Maine Clerks Networking Day” will be held on July 28 at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle.
Registration is $50 for MTCCA members and $60 for non-members. For more information, contact MMA at 1-800-452-8786.