BYRON – Nearly 30 residents celebrated the purchase of nine acres surrounding Coos Canyon with cake and coffee and a round of applause for Selectman Steve Duguay at the annual town meeting Monday night.
Duguay began planning for the possible purchase of the popular, scenic picnic spot several years ago, and was successful in getting about $70,000 from Lands for Maine’s Future and the Outdoor Heritage Fund toward the $80,000 price tag. The land is owned by Bayroot Limited Liability Corp.
He said Monday night that the final purchase papers should be signed by the end of the month.
Another $1,000 was given by a state snowmobile organization, and nearly $12,500 was raised through donations from people from around the state and in some cases, across the country.
He said the money raised beyond the cost of the property will go toward lawyer fees, incidental expenses and the purchase of replacement equipment at the site. The Maine Department of Transportation has agreed to continue maintaining the picnic area.
A townwide celebration of the fete may take place sometime in the spring.
Town officials had been prepared to present an article on the town meeting warrant asking for money to meet the price if sufficient donations had not been received.
Duguay said if additional money is needed to make improvements or to replace equipment, an article may appear at some future town meeting.
Residents passed most of the warrant’s 34 articles, resulting in a $106,182 municipal budget, which is about 6 percent more than this year’s $99,900.
Duguay believes the impact on the current tax rate will likely be minimal because of $10,000 in state reimbursement for Tree Growth recently received. He said all of that money will go toward offsetting taxes. One mill is worth about $13,000, he said.
Residents agreed to raise $14,000 to build a wooden canopy over a concrete slab that will be used to house the town’s three Dumpsters. The structure will be built on the west side of the town garage.
Right now, the Dumpsters are not housed, creating what many believe to be an eyesore.
Among the articles approved was $500 for the River Valley Growth Council, up from $200 last year. No money was raised to support the Moontide Water Festival because a request was not presented. Last year, the town raised $100. Money was not raised for snow removal, either, because a sufficient amount remains in the account from the current year.
Residents voted to allow a 10 percent property tax discount for those paid on or before Sept. 15. The tax rate is expected to be set in July. Taxes paid after that date will be assessed 10 percent per annum interest.
Other officers re-elected were Rosie White-Susbury as town clerk, Melissa Plourde as treasurer and tax collector, and Anne Simmons-Edmunds as the town’s SAD 43 representative. Duguay was re-elected to a ninth, three-year term.
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