PALMYRA, Maine — Upgrading gravel roads in town for a cost of $41,000 over current spending is the only major budget increase that residents will be asked to approve Saturday, March 13, at the annual town meeting.
Town Administrative Assistant Diane Cookson said the overall town budget proposed for 2010 is $731,462. Other than the $41,000 in road improvement funds, it represents a municipal spending increase of $649 over the current year.
“The cost of insurance went up a little, but there were no other major increases,” said Cookson.
The town’s five-year gravel road improvement plan was implemented in 2007. The $41,000 is part of a total of $80,000 proposed to be spent on gravel roads in fiscal year 2010.
The 57-question warrant voters will consider includes mostly budget questions and some minor changes to shoreland zoning requirements mandated by the state.
Voters will be asked to fund, among other projects, the installation of a roof over the ramp at the town office for $4,000, and the installation of a new water system at the town garage for $10,000.
Article 40 will ask voters to use $300,000 in surplus money to reduce the 2010 tax commitment. The town’s surplus account has a balance of about $686,000, according to Cookson.
Town meeting begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the town hall. Municipal elections will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Friday, March 12, also at the town hall.
Vying for two three-year terms on the Board of Selectmen are incumbents Dan Sprague and Vondell Dunphy, as well as newcomer Denise Chamness. Doug Smith is uncontested for another term on the Regional School Unit 19 board of directors.
