Otisfield holding town meeting Saturday

OTISFIELD — Voters will decide on 31 articles at Saturday’s annual town meeting, including whether to expand the Board of Selectmen.
The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Otisfield Community School, and registered voters may begin signing in at 8 a.m.
Voters will choose a selectman for a three-year term, as well as a chairman for the ensuing year. Residents will also vote for a SAD 17 director with a three-year term and a road commissioner with a one-year term. Nominations will be taken from the floor.
One article will determine whether the Board of Selectmen should include two additional members, making it five in all. If the article passes, it will go into effect at next year’s town meeting, where one additional selectman will be elected for a two-year term and one for a three-year term.
The selectmen and Budget Committee are also recommending that the town raise and appropriate $16,000 over two years for erosion control measures. The funds would be used for repairs on town road sites identified as erosion sources by the Thompson Lake Environmental Association during a watershed survey.
Voters will determine whether to transfer the historic town hall on Bell Hill Road to the Otisfield Historical Society. The transfer would include a clause that the society must keep the building structurally sound and in good condition. The selectmen have recommended the transfer.
A shoreland zoning ordinance and floodplain ordinance are both up for replacement with newer versions, and a beach ordinance will also go to vote to determine if amendments should go into effect.
Budget requests include $500,500 for public works accounts; $270,360 for general government; $137,062 for public works; and $132,000 for solid waste expenses.
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