ETNA, Maine — Living with decisions made at the March 6 town meeting was the dominant topic of conversation Monday when the Board of Selectmen met for the first time since residents cut the town manager position and shaved some $67,000 from the municipal budget.
Among the ramifications of the town meeting was the sudden resignation of all three members of the planning board and a declaration from the Newport Food Bank that it would stop assisting Etna residents April 1. Among the cuts made at the town meeting were a $5,000 reduction in a training and legal services budget used by the planning board and the elimination of $2,775 in money that is typically passed out to several organizations, including the food bank.
The planning board members cited two town meeting votes as primary reasons for quitting — having their budget drastically reduced and having a Site Plan Review Ordinance rejected by a two-thirds majority.
“We … have come to the conclusion that the efforts of this board are not supported at this time,” wrote Paige Blouin, Debra Garcia and Stacy Green in a letter dated March 11. “We are hereby tendering our resignation, effective immediately.”
The letter also decried scant public interest in the board’s functions, evidenced by a difficulty recruiting members and almost no attendance at meetings.
“So we no longer have a planning board,” Town Manager Evelyn Serval told the Board of Selectmen. There was no discussion after the announcement. Serval continues in her position, which was eliminated effective just before the next town meeting in 2011.
Serval also read a letter from the Newport Food Bank stating that Etna residents no longer would be served because of the decision to cut a $700-a-year contribution. Ideas for restoring that funding ranged from asking for residents to pay the contribution with surplus funds at a special town meeting in June to holding fundraisers. No action was taken Monday night.
Christina Clark, a member of the Etna Fire Department, volunteered the proceeds of an Easter egg hunt, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 27 at the fire station, to help cover the cost for the food pantry. Clark, who is a student in addition to helping support a family, said the Newport Food Bank has been crucial.
“If I didn’t have it I wouldn’t be getting by,” she said.
Incoming Selectwoman Vicky Donaldson, who spearheaded the effort to cut the budget, led the discussion for most of the meeting, questioning Serval and Fire Chief Walter Gibbons on everything from month-to-month payments to the policy behind selling town equipment. Incoming Selectman Andy Watson added to the ques-tioning, which for the most part was done amicably.
At one point they questioned Gibbons about the recent sale of a used Jaws of Life to another town. Gibbons said the equipment had been for sale for more than a year so he thought a $3,000 offer from Hartland was a good deal. Donaldson and Watson agreed, but criticized Gibbons’ process.
“You just can’t keep doing these things on your own,” said Watson.
Donaldson agreed.
“We don’t do business that way,” she said. “You’ve got to put your cards out on the table for everyone to see.”
Gibbons said he supported the creation of policies that would guide him in future Fire Department business.
The board elected John Merrill as its chairman and Watson as the vice chairman. Selectman Fredrick Treadwell was absent. The fifth seat on the board will be filled June 8 during a special election. Nomination papers for that seat are due to the town office by 2 p.m. April 23.
