FAYETTE – Fayette residents overwhelmingly voted not to pay their share of the Kennebec County taxes during the annual town meeting Saturday. Less than 40 people attended the meeting.

Resident and former Selectman Tom Welch urged voters to make the move to send a message to the county commissioners that they feel the county taxes are rising excessively, while the town sees no added services.

Town Manager Jim Collins said the county tax has risen about 32 percent during the last two years. This year it has gone up 13.55 percent to $105,187. In comparison, the Fayette school budget rose 6.61 percent this year, while the municipal budget decreased more than .36 percent.

Last year, the same motion failed at town meeting. At that time, Collins told voters the town does not have the option of refusing to pay county taxes. He said the town’s refusal to pay will result in the county serving a warrant on the municipal officers and taking town property. On Saturday, resident and Budget Committee member Clyde Walton urged voters to run for county commissioner and talk to their legislators about the issue.

Voters also refused to allow town officials to pay indebtedness caused by overdrafts from the town’s surplus account. Residents expressed concerns about the overdrafts totaling $153,915. Resident Mike Ventrella said that represents more than 25 percent of the budget. Those accounts include the town manager, code enforcement officer, general government, ambulance service, fire protection, Underwood Library, public works and paving.

Collins told voters that the amounts appearing in the town warrant were incorrect. He said while town officials kept employee benefits separate from other accounts, the auditors included them. Collins said the auditor will submit an addendum that “will be considerably lower.” He did not know what the correct amount was, but said the $1,017 overdraft for ambulance services was correct since no benefits were included in that account.

“I have some concerns about an open checkbook for overdrafts,” one resident commented. Resident Lacy Badeau concurred, asking voters not to approve something they had no correct numbers for. Voters agreed 14-10.

Incumbent Tom Mitchell retained his position as selectman with 193 votes. New Selectwoman Abigail Holman received 190 votes and outgoing Chairman Nancy Baker got 106. Incumbent Elaine Wilcox also retained her post on the Fayette School Committee with 194 votes. Rhonda Bryant, who garnered 150 votes, will also serve on the committee. Gregory Simoneau received 139. All the positions are three-year spots.

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