Penquis Mental Health Association makes annual contribution to the town of Dover-Foxcroft

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Penquis Mental Health Association recently presented the town of Dover-Foxcroft with a check for $4,900. The contribution is made as payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for properties in the community operated by the Charlotte White Center.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom

    ANNUAL PILOT CONTRIBUTION — For the 17th year the Penquis Mental Health Association presented the town of Dover-Foxcroft with a contribution made as payment in lieu of taxes for properties in the community operated by the Charlotte White Center. The $4,900 check put the total contributed over the last decade and a half-plus at over $51,000. Pictured at the check presentation on July 25 at the Morton Avenue Municipal Building are, from left, Penquis Mental Health Association President John Curran and Vice President Tracy Guyton, Dover-Foxcroft Town Manager Jack Clukey and Charlotte White Center CEO Richard M. Brown.

    In 1997, in response to a request made to non-profits by the town of Dover-Foxcroft, the Charlotte White Center and Penquis Mental Health Association made the decision to contribute to the town by making a PILOT payment. Soon funds to other communities were added as services expanded into these areas.
    This is the 17th year such a contribution has been made to Dover-Foxcroft and the $4,900 represents an overall amount of over $51,000 contributed. The PILOT monies are based on the agency’s ability to generate sufficient funds each year, as contracts with the state are negotiated and fluctuate annually.
    Other towns receiving annual PILOT contributions are Dexter, Abbot, East Corinth, Levant, Brewer and Bangor. These payments are voluntary as the charitable work of non-profits contributes to the public good,  including improving the Maine economy. The Charlotte White Center employs 450 staff, and the agency contributes over $10 million in payroll and additionally spends $2.5 million annually purchasing goods and services from local businesses and vendors throughout the agency service region.
    Charlotte White Center and Penquis Mental Health Association officials deeply appreciate the ongoing support and services afforded by the townspeople and consider themselves to be in partnership with the communities to create a responsive and effective system of support for people affected by the life challenges of mental illness, acquired brain injuries and developmental disabilities. For more information on the Charlotte White Center and its programs, please visit www.charlottewhitecenter.com.