Bangor council reviews state bills on biosolids, tax relief, syringe‑service rules and housing assistance pause

The Bangor City Council spent a large portion of its March 24 workshop reviewing a packet of state legislative items and how they could affect municipal services and budgets.

Biosolids and bulky waste (LD 297): The council discussed an act to extend the allowance for managing oversized bulky waste necessary to accept municipal biosolids in landfills. City staff said the current authority expires in June and the proposed bill would extend the allowance until 2028. Councilors expressed support for continuing the current disposal mechanism while the state seeks longer-term alternatives.

Property tax stabilization for seniors: Councilors reviewed a proposal to reinstate a property tax stabilization program that would freeze taxable value for eligible homesteads based on age. Under the version discussed, the program would stabilize up to $900,000 of assessed value for permanent residents aged 65 or older beginning April 1, 2026, and the state would reimburse municipalities for the lost revenue. Supporters said the measure provides targeted relief for older residents;…