Edgecomb is closer to knowing who to give disputed tax incentive payments to.

Maine's business court has taken on the case, putting it on a faster track for trial than it would have in the rest of the state court system, town attorney William Dale said October 7.

As much as $250,000 in past payments could hang in the balance along with another $1 million in future payments, Dale said.

The Bank of Maine and Roger Bintliff have each laid claim to payments, in connection with a deal set up years ago when Bintliff's company Edgecomb Development was going to pay for some utilities on Davis Island.

Under a subsequent setup in 2009, the bank was getting the payments. But in 2012, Bintliff said he should be getting the payments now that he owes the bank no money.

Selectmen decided last spring to let a court figure it out.

Dale advised the board Monday night to just continue to monitor the case. Staying out of the fray will save the town on legal costs, he said.

“We can watch it from afar ... but you won't be racking up a $5,000 or $10,000 legal bill,” the lawyer said.

Selectmen agreed with Dale's recommendation. Board members reiterated their prior position that they are not taking sides in the case; they just want to know who to give the money to.

“There's no need for us to get involved,” Selectman Stuart Smith said.

Susan Johns can be reached at 207-844-4633 or susanjohns@wiscassetnewspaper.com