MMTCTA President’s Message
December, 2004
As we enter 2005, the Maine Municipal Tax Collectors’ and Treasurers’ Association is poised on becoming an extremely vital part of every municipal office in Maine. Little did I think a few months ago that I would be composing the President’s message, and I’m humbled to ascend to the acting presidency of your organization. President Gilberte Mayo resigned in November 2004 in order to devote more time to family needs. Gilberte has been a big part of the heart and soul of MMTCTA for as long as I’ve known her, and we all wish her the very best, and look forward to her continued contributions to the betterment of our profession.
In 2005, our association is going to be very busy. On the legislative front there will be tax reform, and that’s likely to have a major impact on the way we conduct our business. Board member Paul Labrecque will keep the organization abreast of what to watch for. Once the changes come, our professional development committee headed by Loretta Berry will help disseminate the new information, be it through the annual conferences or perhaps with a special class on tax reform. Stay tuned.
The board is always pleased to approve new and re-certifications and believes there is something prestigious about a tax collector or treasurer holding that certificate from MMTCTA. Thanks to board members Joseph Schlick and Gayle Doyon and their committee for diligence making sure the applications are processed properly.
One of our goals this year is to completely revamp the excise tax manual. The old one is badly outdated. The Board has discussed ways to get the job done for a few years now, and we’re ready to do it. We hope to have the manual ready to print by July 2005 and also available on the association’s website (www.mmtcta.org).
MMTCTA is probably one of the largest of the affiliate groups of the Maine Municipal Association, thanks in no small part to membership committee chair Linda Cyr and board member Vera Parent. Our Vice President/Treasurer Pam Griffith keeps good track of our funds.
The organization has several ways of reporting the vital news to its members. This newsletter is one way, and my thanks to everyone involved in making that happen. The other is through electronic means. MMTCTA has embraced technology and built a website and a list-serve within the past year. I thank the entire board for putting its faith in me to design the website and to Jeri Holt at MMA for making the list-serve work. It is my hope that in the coming year we’ll work closely the state agencies we all deal with (Secretary of State, Inland Fish & Wildlife and Maine Revenue Services) to have important manuals and training accessible through the site.
Finally, let me thank three special people. Past President Audrey Goucher makes it impossible to say no to board service. We’ll need some new board members in 2005, so when Audrey calls, please consider serving. She and Gilberte have made MMTCTA what it is.
Joan Kiszely and Karen Giguere of MMA do the hard work – keeping our board on task and coordinating everything. We couldn’t function without them.
This organization works because of you, the members. Please give us your feedback (the good and the constructive suggestions) and together we’ll keep MMTCTA a meaningful part of your professional lives. Again, thank-you for the confidence you’ve placed in the board, the organization and me.