WILTON – The town approved a nearly $300,000 increase to the estimated $2.5 million budget Monday night, as Wilton held its annual town meeting in the Academy Hill School gym.
Power outages and flickering lights occurred throughout the meeting, as heavy rain and thunder caused frequent interruptions. At one point, the dozen firemen attending the meeting had to leave suddenly to the sound of squawking radios. Despite stifling heat, rain and lightning, more than 80 residents were in attendance and voted on a variety of issues.
The majority of the requested budget increase was made up of capital improvements and projects, including road and bridge repairs, a new backhoe and a new roof for the town garage. This year’s budget exceeded the $996,937 municipal spending cap set by the state of Maine by $142,000. Using written ballots, voters approved increasing the state’s municipal spending cap.
The town agreed to give its highway department $85,000 for a replacement backhoe and approved the spending of more than $180,000 to repair Blue Spruce Road, Wiken Lane and Temple Street, as well as rebuild the bridge deck on Goodspeed Street. While there was some debate over whether these budget increases should be approved, voters overwhelmingly agreed to pass the articles. As one resident said, “We need to just bite the bullet here, and vote favorably.”
Town Manager Peter Nielsen’s plan to combine two part-time positions, one in the administrative department and the other a code enforcement officer, into one full-time position met with unanimous approval from the town. The health and retirement benefits for the full-time employee will cost the town an estimated additional $8,000. Nielsen proposed the unification to reduce turnover in both positions.
Honored at the meeting was former fireman and Selectman George Mosher Jr., who died earlier this year. Barbara Vining, who has served as the town’s assistant town manager for more than 35 years, was also honored.
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