Voters approved Dresden’s $716,000 budget on Saturday, but the biggest round of applause went to Christine Wolfe, the town clerk who is leaving after three years to become the new full time Clerk for Wiscasset.
“Thanks for your great service to our town,” said Selectman John W. Ottum.
The town also approved contracting with North East Ambulance for 24-hour paramedic and ambulance service.
The cost for a year was budgeted at $5000, a decrease of $3000 from last year’s figure.
Last year the Gardiner Ambulance Service provided this service. Northeast pledged to station an ambulance in town overnight and in Topsham during the day.
Voters also approved state mandated changes to the town’s Shoreland Zoning ordinance approving a measure that will allow the town’s code enforcement officer to determine district boundaries.
Most articles passed with little discussion, with the largest single item, $341,400 for maintenance of the town roads, drawing none. The Selectmen budgeted an increase of $10,400 for snow removal.
Other increases include $2500 for additional fire truck repair, $300 for Midcoast Maine Community Action and $2600 for the Richmond food bank and $1000 to the Bridge Academy Library to permit them to qualify for a grant to upgrade their computers and $2300 for not-for-profit organizations.
Several items showed a decrease from the past year. They include $2,000 for anticipated legal fees, $800 for solid waste operations $2000 in general assistance, $750 for cemetery maintenance.
