Jefferson residents will weigh in on a 2018 budget without any major increases at their secret-ballot Town Meeting on Tuesday.
The big item in the 33-question warrant is the use of more than $45,000 from a state block grant to reconstruct Somerville Road. Two years ago, voters approved the use of funds from a state grant to improve Punk Point and Valley roads.
The selectmen proposed spending about $950,000, including an additional $29,480 for the administration of local government. The figure reflects increases in administrative costs to the town, including salaries, and a modest increase in office expenses.
The budget also proposes $30,000 for the Jefferson Fire Truck and Rescue Reserve Fund that would be invested by the town’s treasurer until the money is needed. The board also proposed $9,500 for the reconstruction of Somerville Road and $3,000 for work to be done on that road.
The town will elect one member to the selectman, one to the School Committee and four to the Budget Committee.
Select Board member Pamela Grotton is running unopposed for another three-year term. The five candidates vying for three-year terms on the Budget Committee are Wayne Farrin, Lisa Hodgkins, Blaine Kimball, Richard Parlin Jr. and Bruce Sedgwick. Wayne Parlin is running for a spot on the School Committee.
The current property tax rate is $12.75 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, meaning the owner of home worth $150,000 would pay $1,912.50 in property tax. The new tax rate will be set in June after the school budget vote.
The budget calls for an additional $25,830 for general salaries, and it stipulates a $4,000 increase in office expenses. Select Board members also requested $3,000 for the Midcoast Conservancy to help with the control of hydrilla and water quality testing in Damariscotta Lake.
Jefferson residents will vote in the election and on budget items by secret ballot from 8 a.m. until to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the fire station.
Town Administrator Lynne Barnikow said only 128 votes were cast during last year’s Town Meeting, an all-time low. She said she hopes there will be a couple hundred people voting Tuesday.
Jason Pafundi — 621-5663
Twitter: @jasonpafundi
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