Several years ago I was pleased to see the Maine Legislature enact the Homestead exemption to help homeowners with local property tax bills. However, the benefits from that program were shifted from the taxpayer’s bill to the municipal coffers.

House Speaker Pat Colwell has proposed to revamp the Homestead exemption and deliver property tax relief in two ways. This would be done by doubling the amount exempted to the first $14,000 of a home’s value and also by delivering the reimbursement directly to the homeowner, not the town government.

By Terry St. Peter’s reaction (BDN letter, Nov. 10), it is clear that Colwell is on to something. Proponents of the recent Question 1A campaign led us to believe that property tax reform was the sole responsibility of Augusta. Thus, ignoring the fact that property taxes are assessed, collected and spent locally.

It is time town officials recognize that the Homestead exemption is meant to ease the property tax burden of Maine residents and not finance a new garage or pave a new road. It is also time that the municipal, county and school officials – in conjunction with state government – collaborate on funding local and state governments.

Nat Crowley Sr.

Stockton Springs