LISBON – Just 151 voters turned out for the first session of town meeting Monday night completing action on 57 articles in the 93-article warrant, which included $992,078 for police; $256,213 for fire; $561,908 for public works; $490,529 for solid waste disposal and a $393,00 bond issue for Water Department upgrades.

The first major debate came on Police Chief David Brooks’ $992,078 budget, which included a plan to enter a three-year lease-purchase agreement for four new vehicles, including a controversial four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle that would be at the schools most of the time.

This came under fire from several sources, including Advisory Board member Herbert “Pete” Reed, who told voters a four-wheel drive was not needed and that the town had managed with rear wheel drive vehicles for almost 50 years. Others felt it would be too expensive to operate.

One resident suggested police could “patrol the town with bicycles.” Brooks said he now has four vehicles with mileage in excess of 100,000 miles, including one that is nearly dead. “These four cars are draining my budget now, my maintenance line is $5,000 in the red … State Police normally trade in cars with 50-60,000 miles on them,” he said.

Several attempts were made to amend the budget to a lower amount, but it was finally approved as presented, by a narrow margin.

Brooks said the SUV would be assigned to the school liaison officer and parked at the school most of the time, but after his budget was approved, he said there would probably be “some discussion” about purchasing the SUV.

An attempt to amend the Lisbon Emergency appropriation from $9,100 to $1,000, a move that was recommended by both selectmen and the Advisory Board, failed, followed by a new motion by Faye Brown to approve the full amount.

Pete Reed told voters Lisbon Emergency had substantial money in the bank and cash on hand, and therefore did not need it. He said that it was a “private corporation.”

LES Director Bob Robitaille acknowledged there was money in the bank. He said that in the past the “town asked us to operate like a business” and that’s what it has been trying to do. He said the money is needed to pay bills and to have money for a new ambulance when needed. Several residents spoke in favor of the volunteer service.

There were four openings on the Advisory Board. The openings are filled by nomination from the floor, but only two were elected, Hale Chase and Richard Main. It is expected the other two seats will be filled later in the meeting.

Selectmen set Sept. 15, 2003, and March 15, 2004 as the due date for tax payments; and set interest on delinquent taxes at 7 percent.

Outgoing Water Commissioner David Hale, who did not seek re-election, was presented a plaque by Water Board Chairman Bill Bauer, and given a round of applause for his 33 years on the board. “Last year we had 83 years combined experience, now we have 31, I’m not sure where we’re going,” he said.

The town meeting will resume at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the high school gymnasium, beginning with article 57.


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