Hallowell News

Lori Hayes Lori Hayes

Hallowell Weekly Wrap-up: March 2 -8

The week of March 2–8 brought a mix of public safety developments, municipal regulatory discussions, environmental monitoring along the Kennebec River, and statewide recognition of a longtime Hallowell public servant. City hearings scheduled for March 9 will address both business licensing and short-term rental policy, issues likely to be of interest to local property owners and downtown businesses.

1. Civic & Local Government

Upcoming Municipal Hearings (March 9)
The City of Hallowell, Maine announced public hearings scheduled for March 9 addressing two regulatory issues affecting local businesses and housing. The agenda includes renewal of a marijuana business license and discussion of a proposed amendment to the city’s short-term rental ordinance. The latter may affect property owners operating Airbnb-style rentals and reflects ongoing regional discussions about balancing tourism activity with neighborhood impacts.

2. Regional Environment & Infrastructure

Ice Conditions on the Kennebec River
State emergency management officials noted that while overall flood risk in Maine has declined due to relatively low groundwater levels, ice movement on the Kennebec River remains a concern. Large ice sheets can form temporary ice jams, which sometimes produce localized flooding during early spring thaw periods. Communities along the river corridor—including Hallowell, Augusta, and Gardiner—are monitoring conditions as temperatures fluctuate.

3. State & Regional Recognition

Hallowell Fire Chief Honored at the State House
The Maine Legislature formally recognized retired Hallowell Fire Chief James Owens for his service during a session at the Maine State House in nearby Augusta, Maine. Owens retired after nine years leading the Hallowell Fire Department and more than five decades in the fire service, highlighting the long-standing civic connections between Hallowell and Maine’s capital.

Read More
Lori Hayes Lori Hayes

Hallowell Weekend Preview: Mar 3- Mar 9

This weekend on Water Street features unique dining experiences, a transition in the art galleries, and a heavy rotation of live music. Here is the guide for Daycrawlers looking for early sets and the After Dark scene for late-night energy.

This weekend on Water Street features unique dining experiences, a full schedule of live music. Here is the guide for Daycrawlers looking for early sets and the After Dark scene for late-night energy.

The Daycrawler’s Guide

For those who appreciate acoustic sets, gallery walks, and being home before the late-night rush.

Thursday, Mar 5

Friday, Mar 6

Saturday, Mar 7

Monday, Mar 9

Water Street After Dark

For the night owls looking for bar bands, themed parties, and late-night social energy.

Friday, Mar 6

Saturday, Mar 7

Sunday, Mar 8

Read More
Lori Hayes Lori Hayes

Hallowell Weekly Wrap-up: Feb 23 - Mar 1

Updates on the drug seizure following a Feb. 14 100 mph chase on Central Street . Potential traffic delays from ongoing Augusta Memorial Bridge inspections. Meanwhile, local businesses face a looming tax increase if the state sunsets the BETR program (LD 2212).

Update on Valentine’s Day high‑speed chase in Hallowell

Kennebec County Sheriff’s deputies report that a Casco man led officers on a 100+ mph chase up Central Street around 1 a.m. on Feb. 14 after a stop was attempted on Water Street; the vehicle crashed near Shady Lane and a backpack containing several pounds of cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl was recovered, leading to multiple drug‑trafficking and traffic charges.

Publicly available reporting so far gives detailed information on the charges and bail conditions in the Hallowell case, but it does not include a specific court‑date schedule or later court actions beyond the initial arrest and bail order.

Status as reported

  • Ryan A. Benoit, 35, of Casco, was arrested after the Feb. 14 high‑speed chase that began on Water Street in Hallowell and ended in a crash near Shady Lane; deputies say they later recovered a backpack with more than 2 pounds of cocaine, over half a pound of fentanyl, and additional cocaine base.

  • He is charged with multiple counts of aggravated trafficking in cocaine, fentanyl, and cocaine base, along with eluding an officer, driving to endanger, speeding 30+ mph over the limit, operating without a license, and leaving the scene of a crash.

Bail and conditions

  • A judge set Benoit’s bail at 60,000 dollars, according to the Bangor Daily News and The Maine Wire.

  • Bail conditions reported include: no possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs (with testing allowed on suspicion), no possession of firearms or dangerous weapons (with search permitted at any time), no driving any motor vehicle, and a nightly curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Related Links:

Hallowell Valentine’s Day high-speed chase ends in crash, drug charges

Backpack filled with cocaine and fentanyl found after crash in Hallowell

Maine police find backpack full of drugs after high-speed chase


Augusta Memorial Bridge Inspections:

Augusta’s Memorial Bridge inspections are causing short, daytime lane closures that can indirectly push more regional traffic toward Hallowell’s River/Water Street corridor, especially for drivers looking for alternate Kennebec crossings or avoiding congestion in Augusta.

What exactly is happening on the bridge

  • MaineDOT is closing the Augusta Memorial Bridge to westbound traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2026, for a routine inspection; eastbound traffic from Western Avenue can still cross, and pedestrians may use the north side sidewalk. (See also)

  • Similar westbound closures already occurred on February 17 and 18 for the first round of inspections; these are follow‑up daytime inspections on the same 1949 structure.​

Detours and likely knock‑on effects

  • Drivers coming from the east side (Bangor Street/Cony Street) are being directed to use State Street and Bridge Street to cross the river, rather than Memorial Bridge.

  • MaineDOT says no other specific roads are closed, but all agencies are warning that drivers should expect detours and be alert to congestion and delays in the Augusta core while inspections are underway.​

Business Background Items:

Small Business & Tax Policy Alerts

  • Legislative Debate on BETR Program (LD 2212): Small business owners should note the intense debate in Augusta this week regarding the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement (BETR) program. The Governor’s supplemental budget proposes to sunset this program starting in 2026. Trade groups, including the Maine Forest Products Council, testified in strong opposition on Feb 19 and 20, arguing it would increase tax burdens on businesses that rely on equipment upgrades.

  • Property Tax Relief Recommendations: The state's property tax task force released initial findings this week. Key recommendations include explicitly authorizing the task force for more sessions in 2026 and increasing the Homestead Property Tax Exemption to account for inflation, which would offer direct relief to Hallowell homeowners.

State-Level Legislative Watch

  • Emergency Service Funding (LD 2044): A bill moved forward this week that would allow for the transferability of biofuel production tax credits. More importantly for municipalities, discussions continued on using Real Estate Transfer Tax revenue to fund emergency shelters, a move intended to reduce the burden on municipal budgets for emergency services.

  • Data Center Moratorium: Hallowell businesses and residents interested in energy costs should follow LD 307. The Legislature's Energy Committee held work sessions this week (Feb 23) to discuss a potential moratorium on data center development to study its impact on Maine's electricity prices and grid reliability.

Read More
Lori Hayes Lori Hayes

Hallowell Weekend Preview: Feb 26 – Mar 2

This weekend on Water Street features unique dining experiences, a transition in the art galleries, and a heavy rotation of live music. Here is the guide for Daycrawlers looking for early sets and the After Dark scene for late-night energy.

This weekend on Water Street features unique dining experiences, a transition in the art galleries, and a heavy rotation of live music. Here is the guide for Daycrawlers looking for early sets and the After Dark scene for late-night energy.

The Daycrawler’s Guide

For those who appreciate acoustic sets, gallery walks, and being home before the late-night rush.

Thursday, Feb 26

Friday, Feb 27

Saturday, Feb 28

Monday, Mar 2

Ongoing Art (Final Days through Feb 28)

Water Street After Dark

For the night owls looking for bar bands, themed parties, and late-night social energy.

Friday, Feb 27

Saturday, Feb 28

Read More
Lori Hayes Lori Hayes

The Hallowell Wrap-Up: Feb 16-22

HABOT launched Hallowell.org and confirmed 2026 ArtWalk dates, while Vision Hallowell formed an Event Advisory Committee to improve downtown coordination. MaineDOT inspections of the Memorial Bridge preview larger Route 201/Water Street upgrades starting in 2026. At the State House, debate continues over a proposed pass-through entity tax and the potential sunset of BETR, developments that could significantly affect small businesses as Maine faces flat employment growth projections for 2026.

1. The Week in Review

Hallowell’s civic organizations formalized several long-term initiatives this week, including the setting of 2026 anchor event dates and the restructuring of downtown event advisory protocols. Regional infrastructure management was highlighted by scheduled maintenance inspections on the Augusta Memorial Bridge, which necessitated temporary traffic diversions across the Kennebec River. State-level economic discussions have intensified regarding the integration of a pass-through entity tax within the supplemental budget and its potential impact on capital-intensive small businesses.

2. Civic Recap

  • Hallowell Area Board of Trade Annual Meeting (Feb 11): The organization officially launched the new Hallowell.org website and established the 2026 ArtWalk dates for June 27 and September 5.

  • Vision Hallowell Board Meeting (Feb 12): The board moved to form an Event Advisory Committee to streamline coordination for downtown festivities and addressed recent communication discrepancies with the City Council.

  • Historic Hallowell Committee (Feb 18): Plans were advanced for the July 4th public display of the City’s Declaration of Independence, alongside ongoing technical updates to the committee's digital heritage archives.

3. Regional Business Briefs

  • Augusta Memorial Bridge Inspection: The Maine Department of Transportation conducted routine inspections of the Memorial Bridge on February 17 and 18, closing westbound traffic toward Western Avenue during midday hours. * Context: While the bridge has reopened, the 2026–2028 MaineDOT Work Plan confirms that more extensive rehabilitation of this structure and the Route 201 corridor is scheduled to begin later this year.

    • MaineDOT Official Press Release: Bridge Closure & Detour Details – The official announcement regarding the February 17–18 inspections and traffic diversions.

    • The MaineDOT 2026–2028 Work Plan outlines several high-priority infrastructure and safety projects specifically for Hallowell. These projects focus on the primary Route 201 corridor as well as municipal safety improvements. (See also MaineDOT 2026–2028 Interactive Work Plan )

      Programmed Capital Projects

      • Route 201 (Water Street) Rehabilitation: This is the most substantial project for the area. It involves highway improvements and multimodal enhancements along a 1.11-mile stretch starting at Maple Street and extending north into Augusta.

        • Timeline: Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and conclude in 2028.

        • Funding: The specific rehabilitation portion slated for 2027 is estimated at approximately $5.35 million.

      • Second and Winthrop Streets Safety Improvements: Programmed for 2026, this project aims to address safety concerns at these key intersections with a total investment of $2.34 million.

      • Second Street Sidewalk Connection: A project to create or improve the sidewalk connection on Second Street between Hallowell and Augusta is currently programmed for 2027.

      • Water Street Highway Rehabilitation: A separate entry for highway rehabilitation on Water Street is listed for the 2028 calendar year.

      Operational and Local Support

      • Local Road Assistance: For the 2026 calendar year, Hallowell is slated to receive $29,016 in local road assistance payments.

      • Maintenance and Operations: The plan includes ongoing custodial maintenance, such as bridge washing and drainage repairs, which builds upon the maintenance accomplishments recorded in 2025.

  • Tax Policy and Supplemental Budget Deliberations: Recent analysis of the Governor’s supplemental budget highlights the proposed "pass-through entity tax," which aims to reduce federal tax liability for S-corporations and partnerships. However, business advocacy groups have signaled concerns regarding the concurrent proposal to sunset the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement (BETR) program, which currently offsets property taxes on qualified business machinery.

  • Economic Forecasting Revisions: The Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission has adjusted its 2026 employment growth forecast to 0.0%, citing Maine’s aging demographic structure as a primary constraint on labor force expansion. Business owners in the service and manufacturing sectors may face continued challenges in recruitment as the number of retirees begins to outpace new labor market entrants.

4. Looking Ahead: Municipal Calendar

  • Monday, Feb 23: The Hallowell Conservation Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Hallowell Fire Station (with a Zoom option available by advance request) . The Commission will review FY2026 cash accounting, discuss public access to certain private property lots, consider using Constant Contact for an e-newsletter, and receive updates on Maine Big Night, Recreation Commission coordination, and the Commission website. Members will also review and provide input on a draft solar siting ordinance and discuss the FY2027 budget request.

  • Wednesday, Feb 25: Hallowell Arts & Cultural Committee (HACC) Meeting (6:00 PM) at Blanchard Gallery. Agenda items include the fabrication status of the "Hopeful" sign support and the 2026 Petroglyphs Project.

Supplemental Information and Analysis

(Provided by Google Gemini, which can make mistakes. Check important information)

The proposed changes in the Governor’s supplemental budget represent a significant shift in Maine’s tax landscape, creating a "tug-of-war" between federal tax savings and local property tax costs. For Hallowell’s business community—which is primarily composed of small-to-medium retail, dining, and professional services—the impact depends heavily on a business’s legal structure and the age of its equipment.

1. The Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET): Federal Relief

The PTET is designed as a "SALT cap workaround." Under current federal law, individuals are limited to a $10,000 deduction for state and local taxes (SALT). Since most Hallowell businesses are "pass-throughs" (LLCs, S-corporations, or partnerships), their business income is taxed at the individual owner level, often hitting that $10,000 cap quickly.

  • How it Works: The proposal allows these businesses to elect to pay the state income tax at the entity level. Because business-level taxes are fully deductible on federal returns without the $10,000 limit, owners can effectively bypass the cap.

  • Impact on Hallowell: This is largely a benefit for the local economy. It allows business owners to retain more capital that would otherwise go to the federal government. For a Water Street professional firm or a partnership-owned restaurant, these savings can be reinvested into wages, inventory, or facility upgrades.

  • The Catch: Critics note that while it keeps federal dollars in Maine, the primary benefit scales with income; higher-earning entities see the most significant relief.

2. The BETR Program Sunset: A Local Cost Increase

While the PTET offers a "carrot," the sunsetting of the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement (BETR) program is viewed by many advocacy groups as a "stick."

  • What is BETR? This program reimburses businesses for property taxes paid on equipment placed in service between 1995 and 2007.

  • The Specific Risk for Hallowell Retailers: There is a critical distinction between BETR and its successor, BETE (Business Equipment Tax Exemption). While most "non-retail" equipment is exempt from property taxes under BETE, retail property (shelving, point-of-sale systems, and display cases in shops) is generally only eligible for BETR.

  • The Impact: By sunsetting BETR, the state is effectively ending the only property tax relief available for established retail equipment. For a long-standing Hallowell shop with equipment from the early 2000s, this represents a direct increase in annual operating costs.

Read More
Dave Hayes Dave Hayes

Hallowell Meeting Brief

Vision Hallowell, Feb. 12, 2026

Vision Hallowell Monthly Meeting – February 12, 2026

Vision Hallowell met on Thursday, February 12 at The Rusticators Emporium to continue advancing its mission of enhancing and promoting the economic vitality and cultural assets of Hallowell’s historic downtown.

The Board discussed opportunities for stronger coordination around community events. A key outcome of the meeting was the vote to form a new Event Advisory Committee. The committee will not have executive authority but will serve as a creative forum to generate ideas and bring recommendations to the Board. Early suggestions included exploring potential May programming and possibly building around existing community traditions such as the Maypole dance at Vaughan Woods.

The Board also discussed improving engagement with the Maine Downtown Center. Members agreed that all board members will be copied on Maine Downtown emails and events, with an eye toward encouraging attendance and using those events as outreach opportunities to strengthen partnerships across the downtown and broader community.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on reviewing the results of the Hallowell Heart & Soul survey. Board members agreed that the data represents an underused resource that can help shape Vision Hallowell’s priorities. There was discussion of hosting a community discussion event—similar in format to the recent traffic forum at the Hubbard Free Library—to invite public input and translate survey findings into practical initiatives.

Board members were asked to review the Heart & Soul results and propose at least two simple, actionable ideas for what Vision Hallowell should focus on over the next one to two years, consistent with its purpose: collaborating with city government, nonprofits, businesses, and citizens to leverage Hallowell’s arts, heritage, and creative spirit.

Additional business included checking on city funding and renewing Vision Hallowell’s credentials. The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2026.

Read More
Dave Hayes Dave Hayes

Hallowell Meeting Brief

Hallowell Area Board of Trade (HABOT), Feb 11, 2026

HABOT Annual Meeting Highlights New Website, ArtWalk Leadership, and Officer Transitions

The Hallowell Area Board of Trade (HABOT) held its Annual Meeting on February 11, 2026, bringing together members to review recent accomplishments and plan for the year ahead.

A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the newly launched HABOT website at Hallowell.org. President Nick Lacasse walked members through the site’s features, including updated business listings, “Champion” listings, and a Vision Hallowell landing page. The complementary role of WaterStreetHallowell.org was also discussed.

In community event news, the board recognized Stephanie Paradis for her foundational work establishing Hallowell’s ArtWalks. With her recent move, leadership of the ArtWalk Committee has transitioned to David Hayes. The board approved a proposal to host two ArtWalks in 2026, tentatively scheduled for June 27 (rain date June 28) and September 5 (rain date September 6).

The meeting also included officer elections. Treasurer Kat Lemont was re-elected and praised for her continued service. David Hayes was elected Secretary following the departure of Marissa Paquette. President Nick Lacasse and Vice President Sam Joyall expressed interest in stepping down; however, no nominations were made, and both will continue serving temporarily while the board considers next steps and organizational direction. A board meeting has been scheduled for March to continue that discussion.

Read More
Lori Hayes Lori Hayes

Hallowell Meeting Brief

Historic Hallowell Committee – February 18 Update

Historic Hallowell Committee – February 18 Update

The Historic Hallowell Committee met on February 18 at the Hubbard Free Library and continued its active work preserving and promoting Hallowell’s rich history.

The committee approved January’s minutes, including plans to develop a Worster House exhibit for display at the Doctor Hubbard Museum. Display panels will be reviewed at the next meeting.

Members also discussed a request from Fort Howard regarding Hallowell’s copy of the Declaration of Independence. The mayor noted existing plans to display the document locally on July 4th and raised the possibility of sharing exhibition time between communities. The committee will await further guidance as arrangements develop.

A major focus of the meeting was the updated Historic Hallowell website. Members reviewed recent improvements, suggested a few final corrections (including broken links and updated page copy), and approved posting the revised content. The committee expressed appreciation for the thoughtful redesign and organization of materials. Additional historical content will continue to be added in the coming months.

The committee also received an update on the Network to Freedom initiative. Dr. Susanna Ashton will visit Hallowell with graduate students and present at the Sam Webber Symposium on Local History on Saturday, May 2, at 2PM in City Hall. Local organizations are expected to sponsor the event, and additional community engagement opportunities are being explored.

Work continues in the Hubbard Library archive room. Volunteers have been organizing fragile materials and planning improvements to storage and preservation. The postcard digitization project is nearly complete, and efforts are underway to update newspaper listings and microfilm records in coordination with the Maine State Library.

Additional updates included:

  • Progress toward the eventual sale of the Old Town Hall/Fire Station (pending survey completion)

  • Ongoing cataloging of historical collections

  • Conversations with local schools about engaging students in municipal government

  • A reminder that the Friends of the Hubbard Library will host a Chili Lunch fundraiser on March 21 from 11:30AM–2PM

The next committee meeting will be held April 22 at 4PM at the Hubbard Free Library.

Read More
Lori Hayes Lori Hayes

Hallowell Weekend Preview: Feb 20–23, 2026

This weekend, Hallowell offers two distinct ways to experience downtown. Whether you are looking for the refined "Daycrawler" experience—dinner music and art—or the high-energy "After Dark" scene, here is your organized guide to the weekend.

This weekend, Hallowell offers two distinct ways to experience downtown. Whether you are looking for the refined "Daycrawler" experience—dinner music and art—or the high-energy "After Dark" scene, here is your organized guide to the weekend.

Top Pick: The "Must-See" Event

Gaslight Theater: "Things My Mother Taught Me" Katherine DiSavino’s sentimental comedy follows a young couple moving into their first apartment in Chicago, only to be descended upon by both sets of parents. It’s a hilarious and touching look at generational lessons and family bonds.

  • Where: Hallowell City Hall, 1 Winthrop St.

  • When: Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM

The Daycrawler’s Guide

For those who appreciate an elegant meal, a quiet gallery, and a full night's sleep.

Friday, Feb 20

  • Lee Sykes | Slate’s Restaurant, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Intimate dinner music at one of the region's premier dining destinations.

  • Nat Hussey | The Quarry Tap Room, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Saturday, Feb 21

  • Wine & Cheese Tasting | Uncorked Wine & Cheese, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Bank from Nappi Distributors will be showcasing an excellent selection of wine.

  • Katie Daggett | Slate’s Restaurant, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

  • Chris & Dave Gagne | The Quarry Tap Room, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Monday, Feb 23

Ongoing Art (Gallery Hours)

  • Local Collective Art | The Blanchard Gallery. Featuring works by Wendy Larson, Chris Cart, Deborah Train, Bia Winter, Marc Poirier, Nancy Nicol, and more.

  • Brittany Cates | Michel Paul Artist Studio. Resident artist for February.

Water Street After Dark

For the high-energy crowd looking for late-night lounges and the full downtown vibe.

Friday Night

Saturday Night

Sunday Night

Read More
Lori Hayes Lori Hayes

Hallowell Wrap-Up

Week of February 9 – 16, 2026: This briefing provides a summary of municipal actions, regional news, and state policy developments affecting the Hallowell business community and local residents.

Week of February 9 – 16, 2026

This briefing provides a summary of municipal actions, regional news, and state policy developments affecting the Hallowell business community and local residents.

1. The Week in Review

Municipal focus this week centered on property safety and downtown logistics, with the City Council advancing measures on dangerous buildings and upcoming event permitting. Regionally, the release of the MaineDOT 2026–2028 Work Plan provides a definitive timeline for infrastructure projects along the Route 201 corridor. At the state level, the supplemental budget proposal has introduced significant discussions regarding the sunsetting of key business equipment tax programs.

2. Civic Recap

  • Hallowell City Council (Feb 9): The Council authorized parade permits for seasonal festivities and moved forward with the "dangerous building" process for 8 Park Street.

    • The Hallowell City Council's February 9, 2026, meeting focused on immediate municipal logistics and liability management. Key actions included the unanimous approval of a short-notice parade permit despite police staffing concerns, and a decisive vote to secure the property at 8 Park Street with a padlock to mitigate city liability while the "dangerous building" is under contract for sale. Public comments also raised operational safety and cost concerns regarding the North Bay Recycling Center dumpsters, and the Council began a preliminary discussion on reforming the permit fee schedule to align with administrative costs.

    • A more detailed summary of these proceedings can be found here.

3. Regional Business Briefs

  • MaineDOT Three-Year Work Plan: The newly published $4.5 billion work plan confirms that Route 201 improvements spanning Hallowell and Augusta are scheduled to begin construction in 2026. The scope includes highway preservation and multimodal enhancements along a 1.11-mile stretch starting at Maple Street.

    • The Maine Department of Transportation's Work Plan for Hallowell (2026-2028) includes significant projects such as Route 201 rehabilitation in 2027, estimated at $5.35 million, and safety improvements on Second and Winthrop Streets in 2026, totaling $2.34 million. Local Road Assistance for 2026 is $29,016, with maintenance accomplishments in 2025 highlighting bridge washing, paving, and drainage repairs.

    • Full Document Here

  • R&D Bond Distribution: Following the voter-approved bond, the state has begun distributing $25 million in Research and Development funding to 23 companies across nine counties. While focused on advanced industries, the resulting $718 million in private sector matching funds is projected to impact regional labor markets.

    • Official Release: Governor Mills Announces $25 Million in Awards by Maine Technology Institute to Support Research & Development

    • Kennebec County Context (Analysis by Google Gemini)

      While no specific business in Kennebec County was explicitly named as one of the 23 recipients of the February 5th bond funding in the initial announcement highlights, the county has seen significant and consistent support from the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) recently:

      • Central Maine Growth Council (Waterville): In October 2025, this organization received an award of $500,000, leveraged by over $723,000 in private matching funds, to bolster regional innovation.

      • Infrastructure Impact: The broader Kennebec Valley corridor is slated for major investment through the MaineDOT 2026–2028 Work Plan, which includes high-priority highway and multimodal improvements starting this year.

      • Past Recipients: Local businesses like Hussey Medical LLC in Kennebec County received MTI biotechnology grants as recently as August 2025.

  • Tax Policy Updates: The Maine Legislature’s Taxation Committee recently moved LD 2044 forward, which would allow for the transferability of biofuel production tax credits. Conversely, the proposed supplemental budget includes a provision to sunset the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement (BETR) program starting in 2026, which would increase the tax burden on businesses currently utilizing the program for equipment upgrades.

    • LD 2044: Biofuel Production Tax Credit Transferability: This bill, "An Act to Allow for the Transferability of the Biofuel Production and Renewable Chemicals Tax Credits," aims to make existing tax incentives more accessible for capital-heavy projects in the forest products and energy sectors.

    • Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement (BETR) Sunset: The proposal to sunset the BETR program is contained within "Part O" of the Governor's supplemental budget (LD 2212).

4. Looking Ahead: Municipal Calendar

  • Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM: Conservation Commission - (HSF) City Hall

  • Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM: Arts & Cultural Committee - 172 Water Street Click here for agenda and related documents

    • The Hallowell Arts & Cultural Committee (HACC) will meet on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Blanchard Gallery to discuss several ongoing community art initiatives. Key agenda items include updates on the permanent support fabrication for Charlie Hewitt’s "Hopeful" sign and the 2026 Hallowell Petroglyphs Project featuring artist Kevin Sudeith. The committee will also review the unresolved legal ownership of the Hallowell History Mural, discuss exhibition space at City Hall, and evaluate the current arts presence on the municipal website. Additionally, the session will cover the status of Arts & Cultural funds, which currently total approximately $4,905.64 across combined accounts, and finalize the committee's 2026 meeting and hosting schedule.

Read More