Jefferson residents will weigh-in on a 2017 budget without any major increases at the annual Town Meeting Tuesday.
The big item in the 32-article warrant is the use of more than $45,000 from a state block grant to reconstruct Somerville Road. Last year, voters approved the use of funds from a state grant to improve Punk Point and Valley roads.
The Board of Selectmen proposed an $828,600 budget, a $17,297, or 2.13 percent, increase from last year’s total. It reflects increases in administrative costs to the town, including salaries, and a modest increase in the snow plowing contract. Some of the increases were mitigated by a decrease in funding for the transfer station. Town Clerk Lynn Barnikow said the town has budgeted for an additional staff position.
The budget also proposes $20,000 for the Jefferson Fire Truck and Rescue Reserve Fund that would be invested by the town’s treasurer until the money is needed. The selectmen members 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 Board of Selectman, two to the School Committee and five to the Budget Committee.
Selectman Robert Clark is running unopposed for another three-year term. The four candidates vying for three-year terms on the Budget Committee are Peter Brush, Lawrence Grimard, Wayne Parlin and Darin Walker; Bruce Dawson and Lisa Hodgkins are running for a one-year term. Russell Vorhis and Mariaelana Solorzano are running for two spots on the School Committee.
The current property tax is $12.75 per $100,000 of assessed property valuation. Barnikow said the new tax rate will be set in June after the school budget vote.
The budget calls for an additional $16,194 for general salaries, and it stipulates a $4,500 decrease in funding for elections and the Town Meeting. Selectmen members also requested $3,000 for the Midcoast Conservancy to help with the control of hydrilla and water quality testing in Damariscotta Lake.
The town’s annual report showed $3,889,302 in taxes collected in 2016, with $378,720 outstanding.
Jefferson residents will vote in the election and on budget items by secret ballot from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the fire station.
Last year’s voter turnout of 281 was about average, Barnikow said.
Jason Pafundi — 621-5663
Twitter: @jasonpafundiKJ
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