Proposed Hanover budget 12 percent less

HANOVER – Residents at the annual town meeting Oct. 20 will act on 39 articles that, if passed, would raise about $27,000 less than the current budget. They will also decide whether to adopt a new Comprehensive Plan.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Town House on the Howard Pond Road.

Town Clerk Clem Worcester said the current tax rate of $7.15 per $1,000 valuation will likely drop slightly because the municipal budget, as presented, aims to raise $189,635, down 12 percent from the current year's figure of $216,175.

The Comprehensive Plan, last written in 1974, is a historic document now, Worcester said. The new plan, written by a town committee with the help of the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments over a two-year period, incorporates a variety of state land use laws, as well as the town's subdivision ordinance, other municipal ordinances and any proposals for wind farm developments. None have surfaced, so far.

Other parts of the document include future plans for recreational opportunities such as trails, and a clearer designation of areas favored for future commercial development.

Budget changes include $22,000 less for roads, $16,000 less for solid waste disposal, and $2,500 less for appraisal and mapping. Among the proposed increases are those for office expenses, utilities, recreation and county taxes.

Worcester said the town just completed a total property revaluation, which accounts for fewer dollars needed for mapping and appraisals. Carryovers for road work and solid waste disposal account for reduced requests for this year.

A larger recreation request, at $2,100, compared with $600 for the current year, includes funds for paving the tennis courts and replacing a float at Howard Pond.

Chairman Brenda Gross is seeking another three-year term. She has served the town for about 25 years. Worcester, the town clerk, treasurer and tax collector, will seek another one-year term. He has held the combined positions for more than a decade.

Tax bills will likely be mailed out by the end of October.

A regular selectman's meeting will precede the town meeting at 5 p.m.

eadams@sunjournal.com