Wiscasset codes officer escapes special town meeting with his job, barely

WISCASSET, Maine — In close voting Tuesday, residents approved four spending articles on a special town meeting warrant.

Town clerk Christine Wolfe said Wednesday that 222 residents took part in the voting, which was held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The board had approved all four articles, and the budget committee opposed them.

Voters approved $48,674 for a codes enforcement officer, at 25 hours a week. The margin was just seven votes: 114-107.

In June, voters rejected a 30-hour week for the position, at a salary of $54,996. The codes officer is a union position.

Residents also approved:

• Expending 3/12 of the previous year’s budget, in addition to the 3/12 approved at the June 12 annual town meeting. The vote was 117-105.

• Raising and appropriating for contingency the sum of $50,000. The vote was 125-95. Residents voted against a $60,000 contingency in June. Selectmen pointed out that the fund handles unexpected expenses, such as a failed water heater in the municipal building last year. The budget committee argued that some of that money was going toward raises.

• Raising and appropriating for Lincoln County Television the sum of $5,000. The vote was 120-101. The budget committee said that many people have no access to cable or a dish, but selectmen said that the services allows for transparency in government.