February 4th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said Wednesday the future of the downtown special tax is something that will be discussed in the coming months. The special tax, or mall tax, is assessed annually to property owners in the historic downtown city center. The tax was enacted in 1977 to cover the cost of a bond sale needed to finance the construction of the pedestrian mall, however the bond was paid off nearly 10 years ago. Construction to reopen the mall to traffic is tentatively planned for late summer. Morriss said its important that downtown property owners are aware of the changes that would occur if the mall tax is removed. One of the benefits provided under the mall tax was staff to provide special trash pickup, landscaping, snow removal, general maintenance and help with the setting up and tearing down of events…
