Rockland Names New Park After Fallen Firefighter William Mullen
Town's first formal dedication to a first responder killed in the line of duty honors 1956 Strand Theatre fire hero
ROCKLAND - December 3 - Rockland's Select Board voted Tuesday to name a new ADA-compliant park after William Mullen, a firefighter who died in the line of duty during the 1956 Strand movie theatre fire. The decision marks the town's first formal dedication to a fallen first responder.
The park, located at E Water and Union Street, is currently under construction and expected to be completed in late spring.
Select Board member Michael O'Loughlin proposed the dedication, citing the historical significance of Mullen's sacrifice.
"This is the only member of our first responder community that has passed away in active duty, in the line of duty, in service to the town," O'Loughlin said. "I think it's a great tribute to name this park after William Mullen."
O'Loughlin noted that Mullen was off-duty when he rushed to the scene of the fire, ultimately losing his life in service to Rockland.
The board unanimously approved the naming, with Chair Tiffanie Needham stating, "I personally think that it would be a wonderful tribute to his family as well, who are still very active in the community."
In other business, the board voted to maintain a single tax rate for fiscal year 2025, following a recommendation from the Board of Assessors. The estimated tax rate is $13.67 per $1,000 of assessed value, a 5% decrease from the current year's rate of $14.06.
Meg Peterson, Director of Assessing, presented key financial data to the board. The total valuation of the town increased by 6% to $3,444,211,690. Residential properties make up 80.4% of the total valuation, while commercial, industrial, and personal property account for 19.6%.
Peterson reported that the average single-family home valuation increased by about 6%, a slower rate of growth compared to previous years. The average single-family tax bill is projected to rise by approximately 3% to $7,072.
The board considered the possibility of adopting a split tax rate but ultimately decided against it. O'Loughlin explained the rationale:
"We had looked into this years and years ago, I think when we were still at 82 and 18 [percent split], and the numbers that were presented to us were just, it didn't make sense to make any kind of a switch because the burden that was taken on by the commercial class didn't give any actual benefit to the residential class."
Peterson added that communities typically consider a split rate when the commercial sector comprises about 25% of the tax base.
In other actions, the board approved annual license renewals for various businesses in town, including restaurants, hotels, and automotive services.
Assistant Town Administrator Courtney Bjorgaard provided updates on recent town events and announcements. She thanked residents for attending the Special Town Meeting and clarified that the quorum requirement has returned to 150 attendees following the end of COVID-19 accommodations.
Bjorgaard also praised the success of the recent Holiday Stroll, organized by the Recreation Department with support from other town departments.
"I was there with my daughter and my husband on Saturday and it was very well attended and a lot of fun and I've heard a lot of good feedback from a lot of different people," Bjorgaard said.
She announced that the outdoor fire ban has been lifted and reminded residents of the winter parking ban, which will be enforced starting Dec. 8.
Select Board members echoed the praise for the Holiday Stroll, with O'Loughlin noting the high attendance and positive atmosphere.
"I can't remember the last time it was that heavily attended. That place was packed," he said. "And to the residents for being just in such great spirits. I don't think I heard of any incidents at the stroll. So that's always a good thing."