The attorneys of Eaton Peabody have historically represented over a hundred municipalities in providing general and special municipal legal services.
In addition to our broad based general representation of municipalities, we have represented over 70 water, solid waste, sewer and utility districts and more than 80 educational institutions and districts.
Working with our Economic Development Practice, Eaton Peabody’s Municipal Law and Finance Practice has assisted in numerous projects for municipalities and has worked on many projects for redevelopment organizations, including the Brunswick Local Redevelopment Authority, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Northern Maine Development Corporation and the Somerset Economic Development Corporation.
Our municipal, quasi-municipal and county services:
State and Local Taxation
We advise on all aspects of state and local taxation, including tax assessments, defense of property tax appeals, property tax exemptions, tax liens, foreclosures, and municipal service fee ordinances.
Community & Economic Development
Through our Economic Development practice, we offer a wide array of legal and law-related services to the Firm’s municipal clients, including services related to tax increment financing, business/industrial park development, downtown revitalization, community development block grants, economic development assistance, new markets tax credits, local development corporation, and pine tree zones.
Quasi-Municipal Districts & Interlocal Agreements
We provide legal services to organize and incorporate public entities comprised of one or more municipalities and to draft supporting agreements and documentation.
Personnel Issues
We advise a number of municipalities on employment law issues ranging from Equal Employment Opportunity and Fair Labor Standards Act compliance to employee disciplinary procedures and employee benefit plans. Our Labor & Employment Practice is widely known in both public and private sectors and frequently presents legal seminars to employers on human resource and personnel matters.
Real Estate
We offer a full range of real estate legal services, including purchase and sale agreements, commercial and residential leasing, document preparation, title searches, advice and representation in eminent domain takings and damages hearings.
Collections
The Firm provides collections advice and assistance to a number of municipalities, including collection of unpaid taxes, assistance in drafting and filing lien forms, and assistance with foreclosures on tax-acquired property. We also represent municipalities in collecting unpaid fines and court judgments as well as enforcing their rights when a property owner files for bankruptcy.
To learn more about services specific to municipalities, quasi-municipalities, and counties, please contact P. Andrew Hamilton at 207-992-4332.