PHILLIPS — Voters set the 2017-18 budget and elected five municipal officials at Thursday night’s annual town meeting.
The original proposed municipal budget of $1.32 million was $6,364 more than last year, but voters agreed to raise an additional $2,000 to add to the $1,000 for work that needs to be done for veterans’ graves in the town cemetery. The original proposed increase was $470 less because of a clerical error.
Town Clerk Evelyn Wilbur was re-elected without opposition.
“I really enjoy doing this, and I appreciate you having confidence in me,” she told the audience.
Selectman Lincoln Haines presented Road Commissioner Ward Bredeau with a plaque and words of appreciation from town officials and residents. He is leaving the position.
Selectman Ray Gaudette was re-elected unanimously without opposition.
Townspeople also re-elected school board member Karen Campbell for a three-year term. Jessica Cain was nominated and elected unanimously for a two-year term. Rebecca Garlick was elected unanimously to fill the one year remaining of Sharon Dudley’s term.
Former Selectman Margaret Cosenza suggested that although taxpayers traditionally pay 7 percent interest on back taxes, she would like voters to amend the article to 3 percent.
Not all residents agreed that strategy would be wise.
“I don’t think it would be much incentive for people to pay their taxes on time,” Julie Hardy said.
Gaudette agreed that selectmen knew many people in town either owed taxes or couldn’t afford to keep their houses. The town mailed 250 notices to property owners for taxes that were 30 days overdue, according to Town Manager Maureen Haley.
Shelby Rousseau suggested to fellow property owners in the room that they ask for a reassessment if they thought their taxes were too high.
Haley provided a review of available reserves for departments, including funds for unexpected emergencies.
“We have a policy to keep 25 percent of last year’s operating expenses in reserve,” Haley explained.
Voters also expressed concern that the three selectmen and the road commissioner can decide which roads to close for winter maintenance.
“How can three people have that much authority?” Michael Auger asked.
Haines explained that all affected residents are notified and can ask for a hearing at a selectmen meeting.
Several voters asked how selectmen and the Budget Committee make decisions on expenditures throughout the year.
Haines used two examples that illustrated unanticipated expenses or emergencies. One included the purchase of a new thermal imaging camera when the Fire Department’s failed. They also subcontracted plowing jobs in the winter when the Public Works Department couldn’t stay ahead of the snowstorms.
Voters approved raising an extra $2,000 for veterans’ gravestone repairs. The town no longer has a cemetery committee, according to Haines. Sexton Paul Gardiner said he would have to hire a qualified stone mason for more extensive repairs on individual stones.
“That will be expensive,” he said.
