The Waldoboro Board of Selectmen has scheduled a special town meeting referendum for Tuesday, Aug. 18 to vote on a revised budget for the office of the town manager.
The proposed budget, which contained a 3 percent raise for Town Manager Linda-Jean Briggs and office staff, was defeated earlier this year.
Voters will consider a $134,707 budget. The figure is $3,621 or 2.76 percent more than last year’s budget, although it is about $2,000 less than the failed budget.
After the vote and in light of objections to Briggs’ raise, Briggs offered to forego her raise in order to give the budget a better chance of passing and still give office staff the same raise other town employees will receive this year. The board agreed to the change.
A no vote would mean the budget for the town manager’s office would not pass. The selectmen could call a third vote or close the town office, according to the selectmen. The town would not be able to calculate a mil rate or send tax bills, and a closure could affect the town’s ability to meet payroll or pay other bills.
A yes vote would mean two full-time town employees whose positions are partially funded through the town manager’s office budget would receive a 3 percent raise. The functions of the town office would continue.
Voting will take place at the municipal building at 1600 Atlantic Highway on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Also being considered is the revised school budget. RSU 40 voted to accept a higher state subsidy Aug. 11. Consequently, the towns’ share of the cost of education at RSU 40 will be decreased. Voters will be asked to approve this change to the education budget before the mil rates can be determined and tax bills sent.