TURNER — Town meeting voters said no Saturday to the Planning Board’s request for $12,500 for a comprehensive plan update.

The money would have gone into a reserve fund as half of the $25,000 needed to develop a new plan. The other half would have been requested at next year’s town meeting. 

Both the Budget Committee and the Board of Selectmen had recommended no money for the project. According to Planning Board member John Maloney, “$25,000 is a steal” for such a plan. He warned that the current plan used at every Planning Board meeting is 16 years old and includes items due to expire.

Planning Board Chairman Thomas Perkins encouraged the voters to approve the funds. Planning Board members Richard Lee and Ed Morris agreed. Lee said it was “an investment in our future.”

Budget Committee Chairman Rodney Shaw told the members of the Planning Board that he appreciated the great job they were doing but insisted more information was needed and that no immediate action was required.

He mentioned a previous meeting at which the issue was discussed, to which Maloney responded, “I wish I had been invited to the meeting if there were questions.”

Selectman Ralph Caldwell did not like the sound of the $25,000 price tag to “fix something that isn’t broken.” Selectman Angelo Terreri asked for more details of what the money would pay for. State Rep. Jeffery Timberlake said he thought the lower amount of $12,500 should be approved, but that a simpler, more cost-effective option of updating the current plan should be considered, rather than starting the whole process over. The vote was close enough to cause moderator Ike Goodwin to ask for a hand count.

In other action, voters heard from social service groups, including Rural Community Action Ministry, Community Concepts, SeniorsPlus, Safe Voices and Western Maine Transportation Services. They voted for the higher amount of $20,000 recommended by the Budget Committee, instead of the $19,500 suggested by the Board of Selectman.

The motion was made to allocate $5,000 of the social services budget to SeniorsPlus. Jody Goodwin, who helps with a clothing closet and food pantry out of the Presbyterian Church said, “Many of us in Turner are lucky, but not everyone is.”

She said people would be surprised at how many seniors, veterans and people with disabilities are struggling in Turner, and she supported the $5,000 for SeniorsPlus. The motion failed. Terreri pointed out that making a resident’s tax burden higher does not help those who are already struggling. Selectman Denis Richardson encouraged residents to make voluntary donations to worthy organizations rather than make it mandatory by making it part of the tax bill.

Voters also approved $15,000 for the Boofy Quimby Building Reserve Account after Board of Selectmen Chairman Kurt Youland explained the need to update restrooms for handicapped accessibility.

Money was approved for annual water testing to prevent problems with algae from developing due to erosion issues.

Timberlake began the meeting by presenting Selectman Ralph Caldwell with an official expression of gratitude for his considerable contribution to the town and the state. Timberlake also thanked Caldwell for inspiring him to become involved in public service.

Caldwell was given a framed document signed by members of the state Legislature.

Timberlake also made a document available outlining the budget shortfall caused by less state funding in correlation with lower enrollment in SAD 52 schools.

SAD 52 board Chairwoman Elizabeth Bullard expressed concern over the anticipated $158,000 decrease in state aid.