AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Taxation Committee on Friday presented a divided report on legislation submitted to help Dexter’s economic plight.

On behalf of Dexter, Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville, and Rep. James Tobin, R-Dexter, introduced a bill that would allow some leeway regarding Dexter’s valuation. The bill has a provision that would permit municipalities to ask for an adjustment to the state valuation when a sudden and severe disruption occurs in the local valuation.

In Dexter’s case, the town expects to lose a large amount of valuation during the next few years because Dexter Shoe Co. has ceased its local shoe manufacturing efforts.

The current statute allows for an adjustment request if a town loses more than 5 percent in valuation in one year.

Davis and Tobin’s bill sought to waive the 5 percent in a single year.

On Friday, eight members of the Taxation Committee voted to recommend to the full Legislature that the 5 percent threshold be reduced to 2 percent in any given year. Two other members voted to approve the bill as proposed by Tobin and Davis.

A spokeswoman in the taxation office said Friday that both recommendations would be presented to the Legislature for action.

“Either way it will help Dexter and other Maine communities that face similar circumstances,” Tobin said.