Madawaska Town and Twin Rivers Paper Co. Clash Over Tax Assessment Amid Valuation Dispute
MADAWASKA, Maine — Tensions are escalating between the town of Madawaska and Twin Rivers Paper Company, its largest employer, following the denial of a $25.3 million tax abatement request by town officials. The Select Board reached this decision after a heated discussion, fueled by disagreements over the mill’s assessed property valuation.
Twin Rivers is contesting what it claims to be a calculating error made by the town, which resulted in a more than $20 million increase in the mill’s assessed value for 2024. Company officials argue this correction unfairly inflated their tax burden, with CEO Tyler Rajeski citing a previous mill valuation of approximately $101.75 million as evidence of the inconsistency.
Despite the mill’s concerns, town assessor Lewis Cousins defended the accuracy of the new valuation of $65.2 million, which represents an increase from $41.4 million. He stated, "There was no mistake made this year; it was in the past few years, to the mill’s advantage."
The Select Board’s discussions were noted for their intensity, as Rajeski emphasized the financial pressures on the mill, exacerbated by rising tariffs. He stated, “The towns need the mills to survive. A world where you put more financial pressure on the mill… is accelerating the decline.” Despite attempts to mediate, the request was ultimately voted down, with board members invoking the burden on local taxpayers.
The dispute over the tax assessment is set to escalate, as Twin Rivers plans to file an appeal with the state. As the situation develops, both parties aim to safeguard their interests while confronting the challenges posed by the valuation and its implications for the community and the mill’s future.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
