Links
- Animal Control
- Assessing
- Code Enforcement
- Finance Department
- Library
- Planning & Development
- Post Office
- Public Works
- Solid Waste, Recycling, & Transfer Station
- Town Clerk
- Town Manager
- Waste Water
Animal Control
Duties and Responsibilities
The Animal Control Officer shall be an appointed position and which appointee shall be responsible for the enforcement of Chapter 17 of the Bethel Code Book and 7 M.R.S.A Agriculture and Animals. Said Animal Control Officer(s) shall be appointed by the Town Manager and shall perform under the direction and supervision of the Town Manager or his authorized representative.
(Back to top)Assessing
On-Line GIS Now Available!!!Tax Assessing information and land use layers are now available on-line. You can find the information at the following link: http://www.axisgis.com/BethelME
Goals
The Assessing Department is committed to making sure that your real estate and personal property are valued fairly and equitably. Updated valuations may be made periodically to stay as current with market value as possible. Because of this you may see a fluctuation in your tax bill from year to year. If you find any discrepancies on your tax bills please contact the Bethel Town Office to speak with the Assistant to the Board of Assessors.
Assessing services are provided by Robert Duplisea Jr Tax Assessment Services on a contractual basis.
Tax Exemptions
You may be eligible for the following tax exemptions!
Homestead
Any person who has owned and occupied their home in Maine for more than 12 months can apply for this Exemption. Applications must be received prior to April 1 of any given year to qualify for that years exemption.
Veterans
Any veteran who will be 62 years of age on or before April 1 may apply for the veterans exemption. Widows or minor children of veterans over 62 years of age prior to April 1 may be eligible for the exemption. Fully disabled veterans or the widows or widowers of veterans who were fully disabled may be eligible before age 62. Applications must be received prior to April 1 of any given year.
Blind
Any person who is declared legally blind by a Licensed Doctor may be eligible for the exemption. Applications must be received prior to April 1 of any given year.\
These exemptions are not automatic. You are responsible for filling out an application if you feel you qualify.
Applications and Forms: Assessing
(Back to top)Code Enforcement
Duties and Responsibilities
- Administering and enforcing the Towns Land Use, Shoreland Zoning Provisions, Safety, and Flood Plain Management ordinances.
- Administering and enforcing Federal, State, and Local regulations governing building construction projects.
- Ensuring compliance with these rules and regulations by reviewing plans prior to construction and conducting ongoing inspections.
- Issuing all permits associated with construction projects, building, plumbing, and septic.
- Providing research, technical and staff support to the Board of Appeals and Planning Board.
Construction Codes
The following Construction Codes are presently in effect:
- NFPA-211chimneys, fireplaces, solid fuel burning appliances
- NFPA-101 Life Safety Code
- N.E.C. Current Edition
Albany Township Information
- The Town of Bethel does NOT cover CEO responsibilities for Albany Township.
- Albany Township falls under the LUPC jurisdiction. Please follow the link below for more information.
LUPC Application Forms (maine.gov)
- Septic disposal permits (HHE200 form) must be obtained through a licensed Site Evaluator and approved by the Local Plumbing Inspector. You can locate a site evaluator by visiting
- Find a Site Evaluator – MASE (mainese.com)
- The LPI serving Albany Township is Bob Folsom, who can be reached at 207-357-1023 or by email at rtfolsom@megalink.net HHE-200 forms are required for all LUPC building permits involving new dwellings and may be submitted with the application prior to obtaining the LPI signature.
Applications and Forms: Code Enforcement
(Back to top)Finance Department
Duties and Responsibilities
There Shall be a Finance Department, headed by the Finance Officer
The Department shall be custodian of all Town funds and responsible for the proper receipt, management and disbursement of these funds. The Department’s activity shall occur in a manner that is consistent with generally accepted accounting principles, statute, local ordinance and established policies of the Town. These duties include, but are not limited to, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, annual budget preparation, cash account and bank reconciliations and sewer billing.
The Department shall establish and issue, to the various Town departments, boards, committees and authorities, those procedures which are necessary to meet its responsibilities outlined in Subsection B above.
Sewer Payments
Sewer bills are based upon meter readings provided by the Bethel Water District. Bills are generated quarterly and sent to customers in the months of January, April, July and October.
- Payment may be made by cash or check. The minimum charge for sewer is $190.00 per quarter for water usage of 0 - 1500 cubic feet. Water bill payments are not accepted at the Town Office. Those payments must be submitted directly to the Bethel Water District.
Treasurer’s Warrants are prepared weekly with check disbursement Friday afternoon.
Applications and Forms: Finance
(Back to top)Library
Welcome to the Bethel Library Association. Nestled in “Maine’s Most Beautiful Mountain Village,” the Bethel Library has been the hub of the community with programs, events, and services for all ages since 1879.
Visit Bethel’s Library website: Click Here
(Back to top)Planning & Development
Contact the Planning and Development department for information about code enforcement and subdivisions.
Mission Statement
There shall be a Planning and Development Department, headed by the Code Enforcement Officer.
The Department shall assume statutory responsibilities associated with the offices of code enforcement, plumbing inspection, electrical inspection and health inspection.
The Department shall be responsible for proper administration of ordinances and local regulations governing land use, land development and building construction.
The Department shall provide necessary staff support to the Planning Board and Board of Appeals, such that these Boards may fulfill their responsibilities to the Town.
The Town Manager may impose additional duties on this Department, as needed.
Applications and Forms: Planning and Development
(Back to top)Post Office
Contact Information
Bethel Post Office
Phone: 207-824-2668
Location: 82 Main Street, Bethel, ME, 04217-1660
Hours
- Monday: 9am - 4pm
- Tuesday: 9pm - 4pm
- Wednesday: 9am -4pm
- Thursday: 9pm - 4pm
- Friday: 9pm - 4pm
- Saturday: 10am - 12:30pm
Public Works
Duties and Responsibilities
There shall be Public Works Department, headed by the Public Works Director.
The Department shall be responsible for proper construction and maintenance of the Town’s infrastructure, to include but not be limited to streets, roads, sidewalks, signs, drainage systems, traffic systems, outdoor lighting, parking facilities, recreation areas, parks and cemeteries and other publicly owned facilities whose maintenance is deemed essential to the common good.
The Department shall be responsible for the handling and removal of solid waste and recyclables and construction and maintenance of related facilities, in accordance with policies established by the Town.
The Department shall be responsible for the administration of ordinances and local regulations which are related to the protection and maintenance of the public infrastructure.
Applications and Forms: PublicWorks
(Back to top)Solid Waste, Recycling, & Transfer Station
There shall be a Department of Solid Waste and Recycling, headed by the Public Works Director.
Serving Bethel, Hanover, Newry, Debit and Credit now accepted. NO CASH!
The Department shall be responsible for the disposal and recycling of solid waste materials generated within Bethel, Newry, and Hanover in accordance with applicable laws and ordinances.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00pm
All Categories of Waste:
All vehicles must display a town-issued sticker in all cases, the attendant is authorized to make determinations whether or not to accept any type of waste delivered to transfer station and the attendant’s word is final.
- Recyclables: no limits in volume
- Municipal Household Waste: no limits in volume
- Brush, Leaves and Stumps: No longer accepted by Towns as of October 1, 2001 alternate destination: Regional Woodwaste Processing Facility in West Bethel
- Construction Debris: one full-sized pick-up truck, or equivalent volume, per day
- Shingles: One full-sized pick-up truck, or equivalent volume, per day
- Sheetrock: One full -sized pick-up truck, or equivalent volume, per day
- Metals: One full-sized pick-up truck, or equivalent volume, per day
- Tires: $3.00 per tire, pre-paid at Town Office w/proof of payment provided to attendant no heavy equipment or commercial vehicle tires no rims with tires
- White Goods-Appliances: $7.00 per appliance, pre-paid at Town Office with proof of payment provided to attendant
- Mattresses: $7.00 per mattress from businesses only. Personally owned mattresses are free of charge.
- Propane Tanks: $3.00 each, pre-paid at Town Office with proof of payment to attendant
Applications and Forms: SWR&T
(Back to top)Town Clerk
The Town Clerk is responsible for official Town records, voting, and licenses.
Duties and Responsibilities
There shall be a Town Clerk’s Department, headed by the Town Clerk.
The Department shall assume all statutory responsibilities associated with the office of Town Clerk. In addition, the Department shall perform all normal duties required by various agencies of the State of Maine with regard to vehicle licensing, registration, hunting/fishing licenses and so forth.
Pursuant to procedures issued by the Finance Officer, the Department shall be responsible for the collection of excise taxes, real and personal property taxes and other revenues payable to the Town.
The Town Clerk shall be the custodian of permanent records of all actions of the Board of Selectmen, to include but not be limited to minutes of meetings, video and audio recordings of meetings, records of votes, appointments, authorizations and so forth.
The Town Clerk shall be the custodian of the Town of Bethel Fee Schedule.
The Town Manager may impose additional duties on this Department, as needed.
New Marriage Intentions:
No marriage licenses will be issued after 3:00pm.
Please be aware that the process for getting a marriage license has changed. We are recommending that you use the fillable form to have your intentions completed before you come in to the office. However you should NOT sign them until you are in our office as we will need to notarize your signatures. Please use the following link: Maine.gov/MarriageIntentions
Notary Public: Notary Public Services are available upon request. There is no fee associated with this service.
FAQ’s
What is the phone number for the Bethel Post Office?
- The phone number for the post office is 207-824-2668.
What do I need to register my vehicle?
- You will need proof of insurance and mileage if it is a re-registration. For new vehicles you will also need a title or the lien holder information and an itemized bill of sale.
What are the Transfer Station Hours?
- The Bethel Transfer Station hours are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
What is the current mil rate for the Town of Bethel?
- Our current Fiscal Year 2022 mil rate is $12.24 per thousand.
What is the phone number for the Chamber of Commerce?
- The phone number for the Chamber of Commerce is 207-824-2282.
What are the phone numbers for the local schools?
- The phone number for the Crescent Park School is 207-824-2839.
- The phone number for the Telstar Middle School is 207-824-3596.
- The phone number for the Telstar High School is 207-824-2136.
How do I contact the Bethel Water District?
- The Bethel Water Districts phone number is 207-836-2057.
If I am looking for Real Estate Tax information for a property located in Albany Township or Mason Township who do I contact?
- You would need to contact the State of Maine, Maine Revenue Services at 207-624-5613.
When does my dog need to be licensed?
- Once a dog reaches the age of six months you need to register them with the Town. Dog licenses are renewable at the end of each calendar year. If the dog is not registered by February 1st. a late fee will be charged. See the Dog Licensing section of this web site for further information.
Applications and Forms: Town Clerk
(Back to top)Town Manager
Duties and Responsibilities
The Town Manager shall be appointed by the Selectmen solely on the basis of character and executive and administrative qualifications, with special reference to actual experience in, or knowledge of, the accepted practice in respect to the duties of the office of Town Manager.
The Town Manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the Town and be the controlling authority for all Town employees, facilities, property and equipment. The Town Manager shall be responsible to the Selectmen for the proper administration of all affairs of the Town.
The Town Manager, upon appointment, shall automatically assume the positions of Road Commissioner, Tax Collector, Treasurer, and Welfare Director and may designate one or more deputies for the execution of duties associated with these positions.
The Town Manager shall attend all meetings of the Selectmen, unless excused, and keep the Selectmen advised of the financial condition of the Town. The Town Manager shall have the right to take part in Board discussions and to make recommendations as may be requested or seem desirable. However, the Town Manager shall not vote in Board proceedings.
The Town Manager shall prepare and submit to the Selectmen such reports and perform such duties as the Selectmen may require.
The Town Manager shall see that all laws, ordinances of the Town, and policies of the Selectmen are faithfully observed and executed.
The Town Manager shall assist, insofar as possible, Bethel residents and taxpayers in discovering their lawful remedies in cases involving complaints of unfair vendor, administrative, and governmental practices.
The Town Manager shall make application for state, federal and other aid grants for the benefit of the Town, upon approval by the Selectmen.
(Back to top)Waste Water
The mission of the Bethel Waste Water Treatment Plant is to collect and treat the wastewater that is generated in the Town of Bethel. The wastewater is treated to meet or exceed the limits set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection. We are also charged with the proper disposal of all bio-solids that are generated by the treatment plant.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Department shall be responsible for the proper handling and disposal of wastewater and septage materials generated within Bethel and for the proper construction and maintenance of the Town’s wastewater infrastructure, to include but not be limited to:
- Pipes
- Mains
- Manholes
- Pump stations
- Conduits
- Easements
- Treatment plant
- Spreading fields and other wastewater-related facilities whose maintenance is deemed essential to the common good
Costs
- All costs incurred by this Department shall be met solely through operation of a wastewater fund. The fund’s revenue sources shall be limited to moneys derived from customer billing, governmental grants and private donations. Moneys from the Town of Bethel general fund may only be transferred to the wastewater fund with Town Meeting approval.
Budget
- The fiscal year of the Department shall run from July 1 through June 30. An annual departmental budget, with balancing revenue and expenditure statements, shall be subject to approval by the Selectmen before any portion of it may be implemented.
- The Selectmen shall be responsible for determination of the overall fiscal policy of the Wastewater Treatment Department, to include establishment of customer categories, customer rates, billing practices, collection practices, and lien and foreclosure procedures.
- The Selectmen shall be authorized to enter into any and all loan and grant agreements on behalf of the Department, except that any obligation of the taxation power of the Town of Bethel shall be subject to Town Meeting approval.
Property
- The Selectmen shall be authorized to accept and convey any and all real property, personal property, easements and other deeded instruments related and necessary to the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Department.
- All real property, personal property, easements and other deeded instruments acquired by donation or through expenditure of the wastewater fund shall be considered to be property of the Town of Bethel.
Flush it & Forget it
Not Exactly!!
Some things just shouldn’t be tossed in the toilet. Flushable wipes can cause costly clogging of Bethel’s wastewater treatment system. Here’s what you shouldn’t toss down the drain:
- Cooking grease and oil will congeal and build up to plug pipes causing backups. Grease buildup also occurs at pumping stations and can cause failures of the pump control systems and plugging. Residents should dispose of small amounts of fat, oil and grease in a sealed container with household trash.
- Unused medications and pharmaceuticals , pesticides and herbicides, and other toxic wastes can poison the Androscoggin River because some components are not broken down in the biological treatment process. Unused medications and personal care products can go in the trash, household hazardous or toxic waste should be saved for household hazardous waste collection day.
- Flammable substances or petroleum wastes could catch fire or explode. Most can be recycled.
- Cloth and cloth-like wipes and dental floss build up can eventually clog pumps and equipment, creating backups.
- Plastic materials and other solid objects can also plug equipment and should be thrown in the trash.
Sewer Bill Payments
- Sewer bills are based upon meter readings provided by the Bethel Water District. Bills are generated quarterly and sent to customers in the months of January, April, July and October.
- Payments may be made by cash, check or debit/credit card. The minimum charge for sewer is $159.00 per quarter for water usage of 0-1500 cubic feet.
- Water bill payments are not accepted at the Town Office. Those payments must be submitted directly to the Bethel Water District.