OTISFIELD — Residents voted to approve a $1.79 million municipal budget at their annual town meeting Saturday morning at the Otisfield Community Hall.
The approved budget is a 1.25 percent increase, or $21,193, over last year’s budget.
More than 60 residents went through the 30-article warrant in a little over two hours.
Article 17, which asked residents if they wished to raise and appropriate up to $25,000 from the town’s Timber Reserve to purchase and install an electronic message sign, took up nearly an hour of the town meeting, with residents split on whether or not to approve it.
The article was later approved by a 44-17 vote.
One resident asked Micklon why the Board of Selectmen was recommending such a large sum for an electronic sign when the town “prides itself on keeping a small budget.”
Micklon said that the Board of Selectmen has been talking about replacing the Town Office sign for almost two years, and in that time, “we’ve had a lot of input that is supportive, and we’ve had some opposition to the idea.”
“When I came in here today, I said that there was a 50/50 chance that this article would pass,” Micklon said. “However, it’s not easy going outside to change that sign on a weekly basis. It’s not safe in the winter, and it’s difficult to do. The Town Office staff is constantly replacing letters, because they’re damaged by the wind and weather.”
Some residents had questions on why the proposed Public Works budget of $744,000 had increased by $39,000 from the previous year.
Chairman Hal Ferguson said that the salary of Road Commissioner Richard Bean is now included in the Public Works budget, whereas before, it was located in the General Government budget. He said it was moved based on a recommendation by the town’s auditor.
“That is responsible for a majority of the increase,” Ferguson said.
Selectman Rick Micklon was re-elected to a three-year term on the Board of Selectmen, running unopposed.
Micklon said that he has appreciated serving the town for the past three years and would “be proud to serve for the next three years.”
“I’d encourage people to try to be more involved with the town, not just with boards and committees, but also the Board of Selectmen,” Micklon continued. “I’m 62, and I’m the junior selectman, so I think it’s a good time for younger people to be involved.”
He urged people to “not be afraid to run against me.”
“If someone wants to run against me, feel free to do it,” he said. “A new opinion is always good and we would welcome it.”
Chairman Hal Ferguson was re-elected as chairman of the Board of Selectmen.