Residents at the Warren town meeting voted Saturday to approve a budget that was 2 percent greater than last year’s, although concerns about fiscal issues were raised with several items.

About 125 residents from the town of 3,800 people were at the meeting. All 36 articles passed with only minor discussion, according to Town Manager Grant Watmough. Questions were largely about the town meeting process and some general concerns about money in these tight economic times.

A motion to cut reserve funds in half failed, Watmough said. Among the budget items approved were $195,747 for administrative salaries, $64,190 for the fire department, $76,500 for dispatch services, $243,200 for the transfer station and $280,000 for paving and road repair.

Residents approved an article to appropriate $578,850 from the undedicated revenue account to reduce the 2007 tax commitment. They also approved an article to appropriate $250,000 from the Fund Balance to be used to reduce the 2008 tax commitment.

Earlier in the week, residents elected two selectmen – incumbent Frank Buran and Rick Parent Jr., who had been a selectman previously.

Residents at the Somerville town meeting voted Saturday to approve $350 for improvements to a local unused, one-room schoolhouse after a discussion to determine what work was needed.

About 25 residents from the town of about 500 were at the meeting, according to First Selectman David Stanley.

“Sand Hill School is in some disrepair and there was a discussion to decide what to do, and we decided that we were going to schedule a public hearing,” Stanley said. A date for the hearing has not yet been set.

Voters residents passed all 18 articles, agreeing to spend $30,251 for municipal salaries, a 5 percent increase over last year; $95,600 for snow removal, up 19 percent from last year; $77,000 for maintaining roads and bridges, no change from last year; and $2,000 for cutting bushes, no change from last year.

Also approved was $26,000 for the Somerville Volunteer Fire Department and $10,957 for the TriCounty Solid Waste Management Organization.

The only change in appropriations was an increase from $220 to $300 for CHIP, a fuel assistance program.

Stanley said he was pleased with the meeting, although the turnout was relatively small.

“To me, it’s the last vestige of democracy,” he said. “Your hand going up is the vote.”

Somerville will vote on its school budget in June.

On Friday, residents voted to re-elect the three incumbent selectmen, who were running unopposed. Re-elected to another one-year term were Stanley, Second Selectwoman Martha Staples and Third Selectman Arthur Barnett.

CHINA -- A quorum of 191 registered voters must check into the China Middle School multi-purpose room Saturday morning if the annual town business meeting is to begin.

Those who want to vote on the new proposals must stay until the end.

HIGHLAND PLANTATION — School costs in this tiny community of 35 households jumped dramatically for a second straight year.

The 17 residents who turned out for Saturday’s annual town meeting approved a school budget of $121,730, a nearly $38,000 increase over a year ago and a more than $103,000 hike from what voters passed in 2006.

“A lot (of people) were saying they cannot afford to have the property tax go up so much,” School Committee member Frances Sieber said.

ALBION — Residents at town meeting Saturday needed little more than 2 hours to approve a 2008 municipal budget that essentially keeps funding flat.

Selectman Anthony Neves said the $382,012 spending package, which doesn’t include school and county expenses, is less than a 1 percent increase over last year’s municipal budget

“On the local level,” he said, “we have done a reasonable job of keeping the budget down.”

Third time’s the charm. After two stormy Saturdays that forced the cancellation of Hiram’s town meeting, residents voted Saturday to spend up to $363,582 for a new fire truck.

The truck will replace a 27-year-old truck in the East Hiram Fire Department, said Selectman Jim Moulton. The condition of the bond allows the town to pay off the debt over a 10-year period but the debt will likely be paid off in less time.

“The Fire Department thought it was important it passed with a solid majority after a lot of discussion,” Moulton said. “A new fire truck is not a common occurrence in Hiram.”

Residents approved nearly all the budget articles, including $6,500 to operate the Sacopee Rescue Unit; $20,000 toward a town-wide revaluation; $111,350 for the solid waste account, and $79,000 for road maintenance.

Residents rejected a few items, such as $3,000 for community concepts and $5,000 that would have been placed into an account for purchasing a vehicle for a town department in the future.

Residents at Saturday’s town meeting voted to increase the winter roads budget by nearly $40,000 due to the number of storms that pounded the region this winter.

Residents voted to raise $160,000 to maintain winter roads. Lewis Williams, who lost his seat Saturday on the Board of Selectmen, said since January the town has spent $123,000 to maintain roads.

“This is one area you can’t fight Mother Nature, you have to push her out of the way,” Williams said.

Residents approved nearly every budget article, including $42,000 for the fire department; $81,000 to operate the transfer station; and $1,800 for town cemeteries.

Voters also decided to spend $25,000 to build an athletic field at Hebron Station Elementary School. Williams said the initial request was for $35,000. After an hour of debate, it passed with a condition to use material from the town pit for filling the field.

Residents rejected a $35,000 request to buy a truck that would be built to plow snow and sand roads.

“There was a feeling that the town should invest in a new plow truck and spend somewhere around $165,000 to $170,000. That will come up at a special town meeting,” Williams said.

In elections, Joan Clough was re-elected as town clerk, treasurer and tax collector. Bill Clough was re-elected as a library trustee.

About 40 residents at Saturday’s town meeting approved a $579,458 municipal budget and supported a request for $75,000 for road paving projects.

The budget represents a $150,509 increase over last year, which will raise taxes, said Selectman Jackie Conant.

Residents approved all budget items, including $6,200 for the recreation department; $35,000 for the fire department; $53,000 for protection and enforcement; and $173,000 to repair and maintain roads.

Residents overwhelmingly rejected a citizen’s request to adopt a secret ballot referendum voting system for budget items over $5,000.

In elections Friday, Donna Hebert and Scotty Kilbreth were elected to the Board of Selectmen for three–year terms. Kathy Hutchins, Tricia Blanchard, and Jeff Cavanaugh were elected to the Planning Board for three–year terms. Clinton Conant and Lindsy Hayes were elected to the Budget Committee.

About 40 residents at Saturday’s town meeting approved a $622,651 municipal budget and welcomed Ken Wilson as their new moderator.

At the start of the meeting, Selectman Robert Heard recognized David Fullam’s 20 years of service as moderator, and residents erupted in applause. “The town appreciates his years of service,” Heard said.

There was nearly $4,000 cut from the budget, including $1,500 to the Western Maine Economic Development Council and $1,500 for Tri–County Mental Health Services.

“The budget committee looked at the number of people (the mental health agency) said they were serving and felt that their numbers didn’t justify their request,” Heard said. “The voters were really screaming about money this year.”

Residents approved the animal control ordinance and voted to raise $25,000 to put back into surplus. Heard said the board made a concerted effort to limit the amount used from surplus.

Across the board at town meetings Saturday, residents grappled with budget increases attributed to rising fuel costs and additional snow removal.

Residents in Nobleboro feel the pinch, too. About 75 voters approved an estimated $654,633 municipal budget, which increased about $30,000 over last year.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Richard Spear said the increase reflects a rise in fuel costs and operating expenses for the municipal building. The snow removal contract has also expired and the town needs to put the job out to bid, which factors into the increase, he said.

Voters approved each of the 42 articles as they were written in just over two hours. Some of the budget items approved included $140,000 for road repair and paving and $82,000 for the fire department. Residents also voted to raise $15,497 for social service agencies and charitable organizations.

Voters also approved an estimated $3 million school budget. Spear said residents expressed disappointment over the school budget.

“This week, the School Committee found out that the state cut our state subsidy by $250,000 to accommodate Gov. John Baldacci’s proposed budget cuts. Before town meeting, the school committee had to cut $70,000 out of the budget to absorb some of the cost,” he said.

In elections Friday, Henry Simmons unseated Selectman Al Jones by a vote of 64 to 49.

No one stepped forward to join the Planning Board at the town meeting Saturday or wanted to become an alternate on the appeals board.

“We will have to twist some arms to fill the Planning Board seat,” said Town Clerk Jane Gibbons. “They know how much work it is.”

About 38 residents approved nearly all budget items and voted to raise $70,000 to maintain roads. Voters also decided to raise $112,000 for snow removal.

“Already this year, we used up $30,000 more than we used last year at this time,” Gibbons said.

Voters tabled a request for $10,000 that would have paid for the drawing and design of a new fire station.

Residents elected Warren Noble to the Board of Selectmen for a three–year term. Frances Flint was elected treasurer, tax collector, and excise tax collector. Gibbons will serve another three years as town clerk and two years as registrar of voters.

John Smith was elected alternate to the Planning Board and Michelle Windsor was elected to the appeals board for a five-year term. Two seats remain open as alternates on the appeals board.

Wendy Slattery was elected to the Board of Directors for School Administrative District 72.

The plantation took a beating this winter.

About nine residents at the town meeting Saturday approved an estimated $68,300 municipal budget.

Voters approved a $5,000 increase in their snow removal budget and voted to raise $12,000.

“We have to blame Mother Nature,” said Assessor Bruce Bean. “We are suffering the same as everyone else with the weather and fuel prices.”

Residents also voted to raise $20,000 to repair Pond Brook Road, their only road. Bean said it’s a hefty increase over last year. He said the meeting went well and all budget items were approved.

Voters also passed the $83,714 school budget.

CAMBRIDGE — Voters directed selectmen to appoint a committee to look into way to fix or replace the leaking 200–year–old Cambridge Dam.

The dam has been at the center of town since before the town was even incorporated but is leaking badly. Town officials worry that the cost of repairing or replacing the earthen structure will be more than the small town —population about 500 — can afford.

Residents directed selectmen to appoint a three–person committee to gather information and estimates on different courses of action, according to Clara Watson, town clerk.

The committee is to give the information to selectmen who are to put an article or articles before voters at the 2009 town meeting.

A proposal to elect a road commissioner was not approved by residents. Currently that function is the responsibility of the board of selectmen. Residents also opted not to support a proposal to elect selectmen on staggered terms. Currently all the selectmen have one–year terms.

In municipal elections, Bernard Watson Sr., Ronald Strouse and William Digby were each reelected to the board of selectmen, said Watson.

About 40 people attended the meeting.

BENTON — Voters approved a plan that could mean significant changes to the their town government Saturday.

About 50 people attended the town meeting. In the only contested race, Mark Brown, chairperson of the board of selectmen, won a narrow contest for selectman over Herbert Thompson in polling Friday.

During the business portion of the meeting, residents approved a plan that could result in creation of the position of administrative assistant.

If approved, the assistant would handle day–to–day affairs at the town office, a role now filled by the chairperson of the selectmen.

Mark Brown said the proposal is driven in part by the increasing complexity of the task of managing town affairs.

The board of selectmen will draft a proposal for the position and present it to voters on a written ballot at the November election. The change would not take effect until next year.

Residents also approved raises for employees at the town office and for the board of selectmen.
The cost of wages for staff at the town office will increase from $52,260 to $58,110.

The chairperson of the board of selectmen will get a $3,400 raise to $11,700 and the other two selectmen will each see their pay increase by $1,200.

HARMONY — Caution was the word Saturday, at the annual town meeting.

Mindful of a June referendum, voters decided to table consideration of a town revaluation, and the dispensation of state funding for winter roads.

First Selectwoman Donna Olsen said that residents wanted to wait on competing quotes for the town revaluation. Olsen said that one quote came in at $33,000 and the other was $52,000.

Residents were concerned that a $52,000 state grant for winter roads was not adequate, Olsen said. They left the money in a general fund for June, rather than designating it to a specific road, she said.

Jesse Patterson was unopposed for another term as second selectman.

CANAAN — Voters scrutinized both the salaries of certain town officials and the manner in which roads are repaired, but gave approval to related articles on Saturday’s annual town meeting warrant.
As usual, the Canaan Elementary School cafeteria was packed for the meeting. It was a prelude to Monday’s municipal elections, during which Ray Judkins will challenge Ray Small for road commissioner. Judkins also is running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen, which the town maintains is contrary to advice from the Maine Municipal Association.
Residents rejected a Judkins amendment to article 16. The Road Committee recommended $175,000 for road improvement, and Judkins wanted the money to come from the general fund, instead of taxation. The original request then passed.
Judkins also questioned the overage in the $124,000 request for winter road maintenance.
He pointed out that the town had quoted an overdraft of $1,200 compared to the auditor’s $18,000, and asked for an explanation. Town Clerk Barbara Geaghan responded that the auditor was not there to answer that question.
“That’s not an answer,” Judkins said.
“Yes, that’s an answer,” moderator Larry Ross answered. “It’s just not the answer you wanted.”
Following earlier debate, voters approved a raise for Barbara Geaghan, who serves as town clerk and excise tax collector.

VIENNA -- The proposed comprehensive plan took center stage at annual town meeting Saturday.

Shortly after the meeting began, a motion was made to move the state-mandated plan forward for immediate consideration from its position as article 54 on an agenda of 57 items.

SMITHFIELD — Voters at Saturday’s annual town meeting approved spending $90,000 for costs to drop off trash at the Norridgewock landfill and approved all items related to a proposed new town office/fire station.

Sixty-six people turned out for the evening meeting which lasted just under two hours, according to Town Clerk Linda French.

“I think it was a very good meeting last night,” French said Sunday. “We had a lot of positive comments and questions — and no arguments.”

While voters approved raising and appropriating the $90,000 for waste disposal, they discussed possible changes to the way trash is taken and disposed of at the Waste Management Disposal Services of Maine in Norridgewock to better track amounts and costs, according to French.

First Selectman Gary Witham said recently that costs for residents to dump trash at the back gate of the landfill have increased significantly. In 2007, the town budgeted $69,000 for waste disposal and ended up spending $84,540, he said.
That was a jump from the $53,000 the town spent in 2002.

French said that voters Saturday agreed with selectmen that alternatives must be researched.

“This has just gone up horrendously,” she said. It’s just huge.”

Voters approved borrowing up to $200,000 for construction at the elementary school so that it can be turned into the town office and fire station once the school is vacated. School Administrative District 54 is building a new school in Norridgewock and it is scheduled to house Smithfield, Mercer and Norridgewock children in kindergarten through grade six starting in the fall.

Voters approved selling the current town office/fire station once the school is vacant and placing proceeds from the sale into a fund reserve for replacing the roof at the new town office/fire station. Voters also agreed to raise and appropriate $50,000 for the New Construction Building fund.

In elections, all candidates ran unopposed.

Amy Calder — 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com

Voters took less than three hours to re-elect a selectman and approve all 68 articles at Saturday’s town meeting at the Bowdoin Central School.

Town Clerk Melanie Page said Marc Bernier was elected to serve a second term on the Board of Selectmen. He defeated challenger Karen Marston by a 57-20 margin. Helen Watts and Michaeline Mulvey were re-elected to the Planning Board.

Voters also authorized $6,000 to help with the restoration of the Carter School, an historic one-room schoolhouse that needs a new roof.

Several charitable agencies such as the American Red Cross, United Cerebral Palsy of Maine and Big Brothers/Big Sisters will get to divide $5,000 to help their causes.

Page said the town decided to lump requests for funding from 22 agencies into one article.

Voters elected a new member to Harpswell’s Board of Selectmen, authorized funds to clean up Mitchell Field, and rejected town funding for a wind study on Long Reach Mountain at Saturday’s annual town meeting.

Mark E. Wallace, who works at the town’s transfer station, was the top vote-getter in a three-way race for selectman. He replaces Samuel Alexander, who chose not to seek re-election.

Town Clerk Roz Knight said Wallace received 603 votes; David Chipman, 468 votes, and Debora Levensailor 63 votes.

Voters approved $12,727 to make improvements at Mitchell Field, a 118-acre, undeveloped waterfront property. Funds will go toward removing an existing water tower and for construction of new fencing on an existing pier.

The most controversial article, which was defeated, asked the town to spend up to $10,000 to help fund a wind power study.

Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said opponents argued that Harpswell should not spend town funds to determine if a wind turbine on Long Reach Mountain could produce enough electricity to make it feasible.

About 110 people at the town meeting Saturday approved new fees for building and electrical permits.

“Many of these building fees were established between 10 to 20 years ago,” Selectman William Crain said. “We had a fair amount of discussion about it. They were approved overwhelmingly. The fees are slightly below our surrounding towns.”

Residents approved all 34 warrant articles, except for one that was amended. It reduced the Planning Board expenses by roughly $1,200, Crain said.

In elections, voters elected Alfred Fauver to the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term, replacing Crain, who did not run for re-election. Jennifer Kaplan was re-elected to the school board.

STONEHAM — Voters at Saturday’s town meeting rejected a proposal to raise $18,000 for playground equipment that would have given the town’s 60 children a playground.

“It was a disappointment to a lot of people,” Selectman John Collins said. “A resident has agreed to lease a field that she owns so we could have a playground, ballfield, and a walking path. Through her generosity, we hope to build on that to give kids a place where they can go.”

About 45 of the town’s 250 residents approved the estimated $160,000 municipal budget.

Voters agreed to raise $25,000 for a revaluation and $15,000 for attorney fees. Collins said the town has never had a professional revaluation. He said every year, the board tries to visit 25 percent of the properties in town.

“It is the first year any money has been appropriated,” Collins said. “The selectpersons have been aggressive in following the transfer of titles and have kept up with the assessed to market values of properties.”

Residents voted to raise $35,000 for repairing highways and bridges; $10,000 for the fire department; and $35,000 for snow removal.

In elections, residents elected Neal Littlefield to serve another three–year term on the Board of Selectmen.

Fire Chief Albert Fox retired after 35 years of service, and his son Greg Fox will take over the post. A resident nominated the older Fox to serve as assistant fire chief.

“Everyone in town is absolutely delighted with this arrangement,” Collins said.

GREENE — Residents at Saturday’s town meeting approved an estimated $2.1 million municipal budget and voted to spend $85,000 to buy a 1.5-ton truck.

The budget increased about $82,000 over last year, said Town Manager Charles Noonan, who estimated that fewer than 80 people turned out to vote. He said voters approved the 58 warrant articles as they were written.

Residents voted to raise $85,000 for a 1.5-ton truck for the Public Works Department, equipped with a plow and sander.

“We have been using our highway foreman’s personal vehicle and reimbursed him for mileage,” Noonan said.

Residents voted to raise $80,000 for the fire department, an increase of roughly $25,000 from last year. Voters also decided to raise an additional $25,000 for the capital reserve account to purchase a new fire truck.

Residents voted to raise $5,000 to purchase new books and $37,456 to operate the Julia Adams Morse Library.

Other budget items that were approved include $12,760 for the Parks and Recreation Department; $255,850 for the transfer station; $7,750 to help local charities, and $15,000 to make repairs to the old town hall building.

YORK — About a dozen budget items at Saturday’s town meeting sparked such lengthy discussions that motions were made from the floor to limit debate and vote on the issue.

“It was an interesting meeting,” said Town Clerk Andy Bors. “A lot of people asked a lot of questions.”

Of the 85 budget items, voters rejected an ordinance that would “require subdivision of large tracts of land to be designated as cluster developments.”
“People felt that it infringed on the rights of larger landowners to subdivide their land,” Bors said.

About 95 residents approved an estimated $2.1 million municipal budget.
Voters decided to raise $75,725 for the rescue department; $6,815 for the Ross Corner Fire Co., and $15,500 for dispatch services. Residents also agreed to raise $125,000 for maintaining winter roads and $63,000 to replenish the sand and salt stockpile.

In elections, voters re-elected David Burns to another three-year term on the Board of Selectmen. Anthony Palminteri was elected to the board of directors for School Administrative District 57. He will serve the final year of a three-year term. Brenda LaFrance was re-elected to the SAD 57 board of directors for a three-year term.

HIRAM — Hiram’s town meeting was canceled for the second week in a row. It was rescheduled for 9 a.m. next Saturday at the Hiram Elementary School on Schoolhouse Road. For more information, call 625-4663.

NORTH HAVEN — In less than three hours, voters approved a $1.6 million budget at Saturday’s town meeting.

The warrant containing 81 budget items passed as it was written, including $48,019 for police protection; $34,800 to maintain town properties, and $7,900 for the town docks. Town Clerk Kathleen Stone Macy said the budget represents a 4 percent increase over last year.

“This year, the selectmen did a good job at keeping the budget down. It’s a fact of life that everything out on this island costs more,” Macy said.

Residents voted to raise $40,150 for the fire department; $60,000 to maintain roads and bridges, and $1,700 for Christmas lights.

Jon Emerson was re-elected to the Board of Selectman for a three-year term. Bill Bartovics was elected to the board for a three-year term, replacing Patricia Curtis, who did not run for re-election.

Christie Hallowell was elected to the Board of Assessors for a three year-term. Doreen Cabot and Nan Lee were elected to three-year terms on the board of directors for School Administrative District 7. Michelle Campbell was elected to serve the remaining two years of an unexpired term on SAD 7.

LIMERICK — About 60 people at Saturday’s town meeting voted to raise $936,171 and increase the snow removal budget.

The municipal budget represents a $35,639 decrease from last year’s budget, said Board of Selectman Chair Debra Stitson. A portion of the decrease can be attributed to tipping fees for municipal solid waste, which decreased by $8,000.
Residents voted to increase the cost to remove snow from sidewalks, snowbanks, and intersections by $5,000 to $20,000. They also agreed to raise an additional $5,000 to remove snow from the sidewalk on Washington Street.

“It was a wonderful meeting. We had a lot of people there. We were afraid the weather would keep people away,” Stitson said. “There weren’t too many changes.”

Residents voted to raise $3,700 to update the comprehensive plan; $79,900 for door-to-door trash and recycling pickup; and $38,000 for the salary of an intermediate EMT firefighter for the Limerick Fire Station. They also decided to raise an additional $10,000 for the fire department’s operating budget for capital improvement projects.

In elections, Kimberly Oliver was elected as selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor for a three-year term. She won the seat by a large margin over Joanne Andrews, who had 137 votes and Kevin Neyer, who got 32 votes. John Medici was elected to a three-year term on the board of directors for School Administrative District 57. Three secret ballot citizens petitions to change the zoning ordinance failed by large margins.

BALDWIN — Around 70 people at Saturday’s town meeting approved an estimated $626,000 municipal budget and increased the snow removal budget by $20,000.

Norman McKenney, who started his 36th year on the Board of Selectman on Saturday, said residents voted to give a $1 hourly wage increase to the selectmen, the town clerk, treasurer, tax collector, road commissioner and members of the highway road crew. “We have had the same pay for quite a number of years, probably five or six anyway,” he said.

About $400,000 of the budget increases will be raised by taxes. McKenney said this winter forced residents to increase the snow removal budget. From January to the town meeting, Baldwin usually spends $25,000 to $30,000 for winter road maintenance. So far, the town has spent $52,000, he said. Each year, voters raised $80,000 for winter road maintenance. This year, residents voted to raise $100,000.

“If the good Lord puts it down there, we have to take care of it. Everything is so expensive now, but people need their roads plowed to go to work and make a living,” McKenney said.

Residents also authorized the Board of Selectmen and road commissioner to spend up to $138,000 to purchase a new plow truck.

Allan Dolloff was elected to the Board of Selectman. He received 92 votes over Glen Reynolds, who received 63 votes.

Josiah Pierce was elected to the board of directors for School Administrative District 55.

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.

ANSON — Voters at Saturday’s town meeting appropriated a $1.48 million municipal budget, approving all 44 warrant articles in just under an hour.

In some cases, they increased requested amounts.

Fire Chief Alan Walker asked that the proposed $102,210 Fire Department budget be increased to $105,000 because of a busy January and February and due to failed equipment that had to be replaced or upgraded.

Shirley Mellows asked that requests for $5,000 for the Stewart Public Library and $5,000 for the Madison Public Library be increased $1,000 each. Voters handily approved both Walker’s and Mellows’ requests.

Voters also decided to make a first $70,000 payment on a bridge on Four Mile Square Road that the town replaced last year. County and school costs are unknown.

Inez Moody was re-elected to the Board of Selectmen; Raymond Moody was re-elected to the Anson-Madison Sanitary District; Francis Mattingly was re-elected to the School Administrative District 74 Board of Directors and Donna Bartlett was elected to that board as a write-in candidate.

Amy Calder — 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com

PALMYRA—The town will have to get by with $200,000 less this year, but property owners are still going to pay more in taxes.

The municipal budget approved during Saturday’s town meeting will come in around $826,000 after more than $200,000 was cut during the meeting, said selectman Michael Cray.

But because only $300,000 will be taken from surplus to help offset the money that must be raised by taxes, residents will end up paying $20,000 more in property taxes than they did last year when nearly $600,000 was spent from surplus.

The figures represents about a 2.5 mil increase, Cray said. That means an extra $250 on an average $100,000 home.

The heaviest cuts came in road work, including more than $100,000 shaved from gravel work that is part of a five year improvement plan approved last year.
Residents also cut $90,000 from paving projects and $20,000 from work on Spring Hill Road.

Voters also rejected the comprehensive plan by a 34-25 margin.

Herbert Brindley (107 votes) and Priscilla Jones (119 votes) both won reelection to the board of selectmen in Friday’s voting.

Kelly Rowell was reelected to the School Administrative District 48 board of directors.

NEWPORT—Voters at Saturday’s annual town meeting approved funding for a full time fire fighter and to run the new cultural center.

The total municipal budget of nearly $2.3 million represents a 5.4 increase over last year, said Town Manager James Ricker.

All of the articles passed as written, except for three related to a salt shed that failed at selectmen’s urging, during a town meeting that only lasted about two hours.

Voters agreed to repeal timber harvesting regulations within the shoreland zoneand to allow campgrounds in all commercial zones with planning board approval.

The approved municipal budget includes $107,000 for the fire department. The extra $17,000 over last year will pay to switch a part-time fire fighter’s position to full time.

Funding for the Newport Cultural Center, which is scheduled to open this year, jumped from $17,000 to $69,000.

In Friday’s voting residents approved the water district’s bid to increase the debt service limit from $3.5 million to $8 million.

Voters elected Richard Clark over Carl Smith III for the board of selectmen by a 99-95 margin.

Roger Carr and Timothy York were elected to the School Administrative District 48 board of directors, Alan Campbell will serve as trustee of the water district and Vernard Palmer is a trustee of the sanitary district.

By Morning Sentinel Staff

CORINNA—Voters at Saturday’s town meeting agreed to borrow $2 million to repair the town’s deteriorating roads.

The total budget of of $2,067,591 approved during the meeting is about $100,000 over last year’s budget.

But because the town will use less surplus to offset the amount that must be raised by property taxes, residents will actually pay about $300,000 more this year, said Town Clerk Michelle Dumoulin.

The mil rate is expected to jump from $13.50 to $16, meaning an extra $250 for someone who owns a $100.000 home.

Voters agreed to raise $85,000 for a new plow truck. The money will be added to $85.000 raised over the past few years.

A list of ordinances also were approved, including standards for outdoor wood fired boilers. The new ordinance mirrors standards adopted by the state earlier this year.

Roger Aaron Whitney was reelected to the board of selectmen in Friday’s election. Robert Veazie also was elected to the board.

David Sharpe was elected for a three-year term on the School Administrative District 48 board of directors and Barbara Marshall will complete a one-year term.

INDUSTRY - A smaller than usual turnout at Saturday's town meeting
discussed, among other things, the progress of a new road improvement
program and plans to replace an aging plow truck that is now retired.

After just over an hour, all articles were passed and about $397,000 was
raised for municipal spending. That is about $25,500 more than 2007.

There were no comments on requests to increase the three selectmen's
salaries by $1,500 apiece-- the first raise in 12 years. Nor was there
discussion on the request to increase the pay for both the treasurer and
town clerk positions from $3,500 to $5,000.

On the $20,000 increase in the $60,000 winter roads account, First Selectman
Lee Ireland said the account has gone over budget and the increase is
requested to avoid having the department run in the red again next winter.
If the money is not all used, Ireland said it will be brought forward at the
end of the year so it would be available for 2009.

PLEASANT RIDGE — Voters on Saturday voted to post speed limit signs on roads and agreed to set aside $15,000 for the future purchase of a truck for plowing.
Twenty-nine of 76 registered voters turned out for the town meeting, which lasted about three hours, according to Town Clerk Marilynn Smith.

“Everything passed,” Smith said of the 65-article warrant, which voters handily approved. “Even the moderator said how smoothly our meetings go.”

Marlene Merrill was elected second assessor to replace Robert Bowden, who chose not to run for re-election.

Cemetery caretaker Clark Sherman, also a member of the Cemetery Committee, stepped down after 35 years, according to Smith. Jessie Brown and Retta Giguere were elected to that panel. All other officials kept their seats.

The municipal budget approved Saturday is $467,000, but that amount is expected to increase when county costs, yet unknown, are added, Smith said. A Land Use Regulation Commission fee also must be added.

Voters asked to have speed limit signs posted because they said people drive too fast on plantation roads.

Amy Calder — 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com

STARKS — When it came time to fund a town-funded, household trash pickup they had approved in the previous article Saturday, voters said no.

Following vigorous debate, residents had voted, 50-34, to pay for the townwide trash pickup. A health and safety committee had recommended the move, partially in response to blight and trash buildup in certain sections of town.

Residents then considered spending up to $46,000 to fund the new system.

But Gwen Hilton then said that the recycling rate would suffer. Her husband, Ernest Hilton, added that the town might inherit trash from outlying areas, and that the code-enforcement officer could address the problem of trash in certain areas of town.

Robin Melanson-Quimby added that the town could address the problem more economically by providing dumpsters.

STARKS — Joe Miller defeated Gene Tweedie, 67-19, in Friday’s municipal elections for a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

Miller succeeds Herb Oliver, who chose to run for a position on the Board of Assessors. Joy Hayden defeated Oliver for that position, 67-22.

RANDOLPH -- Edward F. Gorham was elected by a one-vote margin Tuesday to a three-year term on the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk Lynn Mealey said.

The selectman's position was the only contested race on the municipal ballot, she said. Vote counters conducted a recount because the race was so close.

Mealey listed vote totals for each of the three candidates. Former Selectwoman R. Gloria Fitzherbert received 80 votes while Gorham received 81 and retired electrical equipment salesman Alfred A. Seymour Jr. captured 79 votes.

The ballot also contained three open four-year positions on the Budget Committee, but only Francis W. Hanley, a member of the committee, ran for re-election.

Hanley received 194 votes.

Michael Carrie, with 46 votes, and Glendon James, with 56 votes, also won seats as write-in candidates.

No candidates put in their names on the ballot for an open SAD 11 School Board position. Tyler Trott won the seat as a write-in candidate with 70 votes, Mealey said.

NORRIDGEWOCK — Voters on Monday agreed to spend $500,000 to improve Wilder Hill Road, despite protests from several residents who live on the road.

Town Manager John Doucette said about four or five of those residents complained that paving the road would increase the number of speeders.

They said they preferred to leave the highway as an “old country road,” Doucette said.

Despite their reservations, voters approved spending $250,000 from fees collected from Waste Management Inc. and $250,000 from taxes to get the job done.

Meanwhile, voters approved a $1.5 million municipal government spending plan and re-elected its Board of Selectmen.

Re-elected to the five-member Board of Selectmen were Ronald Frederick, 122; Matthew Schaeffer, 91; Richard Holt, 85; Rick Pomerleau, 84; and Victor Jepson, 74. Challengers Thomas Lint got 70 votes and Laura Lorette got 62.

Elected as tax assessors were Ronald Frederick, Richard Holt and Rick Pomerleau.

BINGHAM — Voters approved the town’s proposed spending package Monday but it is too early to predict the direction of taxes, according to First Selectman Steven Steward.

The town will raise about $640,452 for municipal expenses, about $71,000 more than the previous year, but it will be months before the impact of school and county expenses are known.

Steward said an increase in property values could help balance at least part of any increase.

“We have a lot of homes and camps to be assessed this year,” said Steward. “Last year, I expected taxes to go up but we had enough growth to cover it.”

The town report lists 31 building permits issued last year for a variety of projects, including cabins, homes, garages and decks.

BINGHAM -- Voters had plenty of questions but few found reason to oppose articles that represented the bulk of the town's budget Monday night.

In polling before the meeting, Bonnie Atwood and Joey McKenzie won seats on the School Administrative District 13 school board in a three-way race for two open positions.

NORRIDGEWOCK -- In a very slow-moving town meeting Monday night, voters spent more than an hour arguing about whether to elect or appoint the town clerk and town treasurer.

By written ballot, they voted 39 to 28 to reject an article seeking to have the positions appointed. The town will continue to elect a person to fill those positions.

PALERMO -- Voters will decide three contests for local offices Friday, March 7, with one likely to have two winners.

On the local ballot, Mark Brundage and incumbent Harry Dean Potter are vying for a three-year term as selectman; Scott S. Childs and Dusty Haskell are competing to be road commissioner for one year; and incumbent Donald Barrett and Edward Robert "Bob" Temple seek the same three-year School Board term.

SOLON -- Despite some resistance, town meeting voters here Saturday afternoon authorized selectmen to go out to bid for a new tandem axle truck for the highway department as part of an $861,000 municipal spending plan.

Selectman Elaine Aloes said buying a second, $100,000 tandem axle truck would save the town money in fuel because it would make less trips to get the job done.

She said the town buys a new truck every five years and it made sense to do so now -- about two years early -- while the town has insurance funds and other money it can use toward the purchase. Over a 5-year loan, annual payments will be about $13,700, she said.

STRONG -- Voters on a snowy Saturday spent just over two hours discussing town budgets, including the rising cost of providing fire protection and maintaining public roads.

At the end of the town meeting, about 50 residents approved a nearly $512,000 operating budget for 2008, up about $7,000 over last year. The biggest discussions of the morning revolved around the $228,000 highway budget and the nearly $70,000 fire department budget.

EUSTIS -- About two dozen voters made it to the annual town meeting Saturday in a snowstorm Saturday, approving a nearly $612,000 operating budget where the biggest discussion was on support of the local snowmobile club.

The budget is about $3,000 higher than last year. All articles were approved as recommended by selectmen.

There was a strong contingent of snowmobile enthusiasts there to show support for the $7,500 request from the Arnold Trail Snowmobile Club.

KINGFIELD -- The handful of citizens who braved Saturday's winter storm quickly passed their 35-article warrant with little debate or opposition.

The $705,940 appropriation request presented a potential for a six percent increase from last year's $662,115 budget, but revenues, including $19,500 from Poland Spring's TIF (tax increment financing) dollars, helped keep the budget under the state's allowable tax levy limit of $684,725.

The 35 voters, led by moderator Paul Mills, also approved spending $225,495 from TIF revenue for future municipal projects, including a new wastewater treatment plant. Most of the funding for the new administrative assistant's salary will come from those funds, also.

This year's annual report was dedicated to Town Clerk Jean Orbeton, who retired in December after 37 years.

NEW PORTLAND -- Change was not on the minds of the 50 people who braved the elements to attend Saturday's annual town meeting.

In this its Bicentennial year, the town of fewer than 1,000 -- known was its situation on the Carrabassett River and the famous Wire Bridge -- town officials dressed in early-1800s attire. They read poems, and proclamations.

But change came, too.

NEW SHARON -- Voters ousted the town's longtime first selectman, but two other incumbents on the board survived challenges during Saturday's town meeting.

James W. Smith, who has held the first selectman's post for 46 years, was defeated by Larry Donald, 128-112, in a second vote that was required after those two and a third candidate failed to reach a majority vote. The third nominee, Spencer Thompson, withdrew after the first vote.

Saturday’s town meeting was rescheduled to 10 a.m. next Saturday at the fire station on Butters Hill Road. For more information, call 928-2155.

About 40 people at Saturday’s town meeting voted to raise $15,000 toward building a new addition to the West Paris Library.

The renovation project costs roughly $350,000. So far, a $110,000 trust fund will be used for the project. The library trustees will also hold fundraisers and apply for grants from charitable foundations to help offset the cost.

Town Manager John White said the library, built in the early part of the last century, is an important landmark in town.

“I think it’s a really great project for our community,” White said. “The library does a very good job, but they need a lot more room.”

Residents approved every budget item on the town warrant in less than two hours. They voted to raise $85,100 to operate the Fire Department and $113,975 to run the transfer station. Voters also decided to raise $225,000 to operate the Highway Department, which includes $85,000 for snow removal.

One item that generated some discussion was an article to raise $18,000 for general assistance, a local welfare program. The item passed. White said residents questioned the $6,000 increase over last year, attributed to the high cost of oil and increase in the number of clients they serve.

Dennis Henderson was re-elected to another three-year term on the Board of Selectmen. Shane Poland was re-elected to another three-year term on the Water District Board of Trustees.

Saturday’s town meeting was postponed. It was rescheduled for 9 a.m. March 8 at the Town Hall on Route 5. For more information, call 925-6272.

Saturday’s town meeting was postponed to 9 a.m. March 8 at Hiram Elementary School, Schoolhouse Road.

Results of Friday night’s election were not available.

For more information, call 625-4663.

About 60 residents voted Saturday to approve a $1.2 million municipal budget at their annual town meeting.

The budget reflects an estimated $48,000 increase over last year, said John Bell, chairman of the Board of Selectman.

Residents voted to raise $130,000 for repairing highway roads and bridges; $175,000 to maintain roads in the winter; and $6,000 to hire a part-time librarian.

“It was a pretty good turnout for a snowy day,” Bell said. “The meeting went quite well.”

An item that generated some healthy discussion was to raise $43,000 to transition to a single-stream recycling method and purchase a new compactor. Voters decided to accept the change.

Bell said residents also voted to raise $24,000 to purchase a backhoe and $22,000 to pave the last section of Mill Hill Road.

About 100 residents at Saturday’s town meeting approved an estimated $3.1 million municipal and school budget and voted to purchase a 17-acre parcel of land for a new cemetery.

Selectman Eda Tripp said nearly all the warrant items passed except for donations to local organizations. Some of the items approved included a plow truck for the highway department; raising $8,000 to make repairs to the fire department’s Engine 8 truck; $185,000 for the maintenance of roads, culverts, bridges and bushes; and $165,000 to maintain winter roads.

Tripp said the meeting went smoothly and the turnout was good despite the continuing snowstorm that was making travel difficult.

“The road manager-commissioner, Arlan Saunders, did a really good job. He got out and plowed all the roads before town meeting time,” Tripp said.

Residents voted to purchase 17 acres adjacent to Center Hill Cemetery, and to accept Riverside Cemetery and Center Hill. Tripp said it brings the total of cemeteries in Minot to 28.

“A portion of the land will be ready to offer to people for burials in a year or two,” said Tripp, who was on the committee that promoted the land purchase. “We had no more spaces (in the cemeteries in Minot). I am quite happy that people approved this.”

Residents also voted to raise $15,000 to join the Auburn Library. Residents previously had to pay to become members of the library. Now all residents can benefit from the services offered by the library, Tripp said.

HARTLAND—Mike Brown was elected as the newest member of the board of selectmen in Friday’s elections.

Saturday’s annual town meeting was postponed due to a storm. The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the town hall.

Mike Brown garnered 86 votes to defeat Michael Gould, who got 35 votes, in the race for a one-year term on the board of selectmen.

A total of 169 voters cast ballots.

There were no registered candidates for a 3-year term on the School Administrative District board of directors. Two women, Alison Ramsdell and Kimberly Godsoe, each collected one write-in vote, said Town Clerk Joyce Halford, who also was reelected to a one-year term with 149 votes.

Vaughn Stedman, Gretchen Elliott and Weston Gould each got one write in vote.

Halford had not contacted Ramsdell or Godsoe Saturday morning and was unsure if either would be willing to accept the position.

“We’ll have to look around to see if someone can be appointed,” Halford said.

ST. ALBANS—Incumbent Peter Denbow, who has served a partial two-year term on the board, was unseated by William Keating in Friday's election.

Saturday’s annual town meeting was canceled due to a storm. The meeting has been rescheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the town hall.

Keating received 113 votes to Denbow’s 84. There were a total of 203 voters, according to Town Manager Larry Post.

Stacey Desrosiers, who garnered 188 votes to win another term as town clerk and Ronnie Finson, who won reelection to road commissioner with 174 votes.

Kevin Brown was reelected to a three-year term on the School Administrative District 48 board of directors.

Ronald Fowle (142), Dennis Smith (113) and Michael Wiers (152) each was elected to a three-year term to the budget committee.

EMBDEN -- Wendell Routon scored one victory of sorts on Saturday, but his tumultuous three-year term as chairman of the Board of Selectmen came to an end.

In unusually high voter turnout, residents chose Scott Lehay to replace Routon on the board. Lehay, director of transportation and maintenance in School Administrative District 74, defeated Routon 159-100.

In another ballot item, residents by a 158-93 decision cast a vote of no confidence in SAD 74 Superintendent Regina Campbell. Routon has been an outspoken critic of Campbell, accusing her, among other things, of being a big spender.