LOVELL — For 14 years running, residents at the annual town meeting have contested a request to raise $360 to support Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

This year was no different. Residents rejected the request in honor of the late John Fox, who opposed it every year because he never got the channel. Fox died three years ago and resident John Carter carried on the tradition.

“It is something we can always laugh at,” said Selectman Richard Eastman. “We spend more time in good humor talking about why we want to support it. But it’s a major victory when the people vote it down. For all the important issues that you have to deal with, it’s the little things like this that we can still laugh at.”

About 80 residents approved an estimated $836,000 municipal budget. Eastman said the turnout was good, considering the meeting had to be postponed from last weekend because of concerns that the roof on the old town hall was unsafe. Saturday’s meeting was held at the VFW hall.

Eastman said the budget included a $60,000 request for a backhoe, $30,000 to maintain town buildings and the grounds; and $25,000 for equipment for the fire department.

“We tried to control our financial spending and growth. I had several comments from people who respected what we do,” Eastman said.

In elections, Sherry Bois was re-elected town clerk and treasurer for a three-year term. Stephen Goldsmith was re-elected to the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term. Ron McAllaster was re-elected building inspector and code enforcement officer.

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