CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Voters rejected the proposal for a new town ladder truck Wednesday night.
More than 100 residents gathered at the Anti-Gravity Complex to vote on the 65 projected articles on this year’s warrant. Among some of the larger proposals were the adoption of the new town Comprehensive Plan and the purchase and renovation of the Police Department and Communications Center.
The only article that didn’t pass was the $655,000 proposed purchase of a new town ladder truck. Residents debated the issue for more than an hour, with speculation on how badly the town needed the truck in the first place.
“This project was a passionate issue, partly in response to the amount of money,” said former Fire Chief Ron Morin.
Current Fire Chief Courtney G. Knapp originally proposed the idea of the truck and has even had the German made model demonstrated throughout the town. While many of his fellow firefighters stood while he spoke, Knapp lectured the town on the mistake they’d be making by denying the article.
Those for the new truck claimed the biggest issue was safety, while those opposed believed the current truck is just fine and didn’t want to spend the large chunk of money. The debate sparked three different secret ballots. Still many felt that the proposal needed a more in-depth study. “I’m not comfortable that this just dropped in on us,” said Selectmen Lloyd Cuttler. “What we need to do is form a committee and then decide what’s in the best interest of the town.”
The final vote was 62-30 against the truck.
Voters also seemed eager to pass the new town Comprehensive Plan, as well as, the $120,000 sum to renovate and buy the Police Station and Communication Center.
Reclaiming their positions on the Board of Selectmen were incumbents Robert Luce and Lloyd Cuttler. Gaining appointment on the School Committee once again were Jane Luce and Jennifer McCormack, while Carl Demshar and Neil Trask won places in the Sanitary District.
“This has been one of the best town meetings ever,” said Morin.
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