AUGUSTA – A legislative committee voted Wednesday in favor of a bill to let Chebeague Island separate from the town of Cumberland.

The State and Local Government Committee voted 11-0, with two votes outstanding, for a bill, LD 1735, authorizing the secession as of July 1, 2007. The matter still faces action by the House and Senate.

On the mainland, Cumberland’s Town Council voted last month to adopt an agreement it forged with Great Chebeague and other islands to secede. Chebeague also would leave SAD 51.

Residents of Great Chebeague want to break away to avoid rapidly rising taxes and property values. Islanders say they are paying more in taxes to Cumberland than they are getting in return.