Wiscasset voters approved all four budget questions on the warrant during a special town meeting Sept 11.
With a 117-105 vote, residents authorized the board of selectmen to expend up to 3/12 of a department’s budget, should the total department budget fail to pass. The decision will allow the town to continue operating a department until a revised budget could be presented, or should voters choose to close a department, it will fund the closure.
Voters approved the second article 114-107, authorizing the town to raise and appropriate $48,674 for code enforcement. This amount provides for a 25 hour per week code enforcement position.
Last year’s code enforcement budget provided for a 32 hour per week code enforcement position, and a 30 hour budget designed to prevent a budget increase failed to pass in June.
Voters approved a sum of $50,000 to be raised for contingency in a vote of 125-95. This amount is an increase over last year’s contingency fund of $35,000.
Voters also agreed to raise and appropriate the sum of $5000 for Lincoln County Television. The $5000 amount was also passed last year, and Sept. 11 voters approved the measure 120-101.
Following the vote, board members Pam Dunning and Ed Polewarczyk commented on the number of voters that participated.
Dunning, chair of the board of selectmen, said, “I was happy that over 200 voters turned up for the vote,” considering the number of items that were on the warrant.
Selectman Ed Polewarczyk voiced concern however, about how few voters turned out.
“I think it a precious thing we have here in Wiscasset where the people get to decide on where money is spent, and I am disappointed that only 1 percent of the people actually participate,” Polewarczyk said.
Polewarczyk said he was glad the questions passed, especially the line item to support the code enforcement officer.
“I was just surprised how very close the vote was.” Polewarczyk said. “The town is pretty evenly divided on how things should be and that is a concern for me.”
