County staff says tax-credit financing work continues for New England Outdoor Center; March filing cited as urgent

County staff told the Penobscot County Commission on Dec. 11 that negotiations are continuing with private partners on a tax-credit financing program linked to the New England Outdoor Center and that commissioners should expect a fuller briefing in January.

A staff member reported a recent meeting with Hammond Bridge representatives, lawyers and the owner of the Gonzales Center to take a "30,000-foot view" of how a tax-credit finance program might work and what the county would gain. The staff member said the program would be different from existing arrangements because it would include a "credit enhancement agreement." The staff did not provide final terms but said partners agreed to pay legal fees to move the matter forward.

Staff highlighted urgency around an early filing window: "if we could file before March, we could claim tax payment finance on the 2,500,000.0 that's already built on the ground and working today," the staff member said, indicating the county may be able to secure tax-credit treatment for a $2.5 million asset already in place. Staff also said there is an expectation of substantially more development — the staff referenced a later build-out of approximately $100,000,000 over the next four to five years, but said details would be provided in a January presentation.

No formal commitment or vote was taken; staff said they will meet again next week with partners and return to the board in early January with details and any requested actions.

The staff presentation covered coordination with neighboring counties and an administrative timeline; it did not include final legal documents or binding financial commitments in open session.