Whereas, the citizens of the Town of Atkinson must vote on the deorganization of the plantation before the 90-day period after adjournment has elapsed; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Deorganization of Town of Atkinson. The Town of Atkinson in Piscataquis County is deorganized, except that the corporate existence, powers, duties and liabilities of the town survive for the purposes of prosecuting and defending all pending suits to which the town is, or may be, a party and all needful process arising out of any suits, including provisions for the payment of all or any judgments or debts that may be rendered against the town or exist in favor of any creditor.

Sec. 2. Unexpended school funds. The treasurer of the town or any other person who has custody of the funds of the town shall pay to the Treasurer of State all unexpended school funds that, together with the credits due the town for school purposes, are to be used by the State Tax Assessor to settle any school obligations contracted by the town before deorganization. Any unexpended school funds remaining with the Treasurer of State after all the obligations have been met must be added to the Unorganized Territory Education and Services Fund, as established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 36, chapter 115.

Sec. 3. School debt. The town treasurer or the person who has custody of the town funds shall pay to School Administrative District No. 41 the town's share of the debt service. This amount must be paid within 30 days of the effective date of this section. School Administrative District No. 41 may retain any interest earned on this amount. Any remaining unexpended school funds, together with any credits due the town for school purposes, must be paid to the State Treasurer. These funds, if any, must be added to the Unorganized Territory Education and Services Fund.

Sec. 4. Withdrawal from School Administrative District No. 41. The Town of Atkinson is withdrawn from School Administrative District No. 41.