A member of Ellsworth’s city council has been told that a banner he erected criticizing the city violates the city’s sign rules.

Councilor Steve O’Halloran did not seek or get permission from the city to erect a large banner at the intersection of Main and Oak streets that says “SHAME ON ELLSWORTH!! RETURN THE KARST FAMILY EQUITY!! $117,907.99,” according to Code Enforcement Officer Robert Grant. The city’s sign ordinance requires property owners to get permits from the city for non-campaign signs that are displayed outdoors.

The banner refers to a decision by the city in 2023 to sell a property it foreclosed on nearly five years ago for unpaid property taxes. O’Halloran and his supporters say the city should give the income it made from selling the house at auction back to the previous

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