FARMINGTON — Voters opted to fund the Red Cross and Safe Voices but not the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at Saturday’s town meeting.

Residents agreed to $3,000 for the Red Cross, $5,050 for Safe Voices, formerly Abused Women’s Advocacy Project, and nothing for the local chamber.

Selectmen and the Budget Committee rendered a split opinion in their funding recommendations on the town warrant.

Selectmen recommended $2,500 for the chamber but nothing for the Red Cross. The Budget Committee endorsed $3,000 for the Red Cross and nothing for the chamber. Both groups had a zero recommendation for Safe Voices.

Selectman Andrew Hufnagel said no one disputes the work done by the agencies but he and others thought taxpayer money should not be used to fund an agency that the taxpayer may not believe in. They have the option to donate on their own, he said.

Following a lengthy description of American Red Cross services, including helping local fire victims, Dave Thompson, CEO of the American Red Cross of Southern Maine, said the organization needs to raise $78,000 a year from towns throughout a five county area.

The cost of Red Cross executive salaries was questioned by Budget Committee member Michael Deschenes, who asked Thompson about six-figure executive salaries and funds sent to the national organization.

Thompson denied his salary was that high and said national funds could come back and be used for a disaster here.

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce receives no state, federal or grant funds, Executive Director Lorna Nichols told voters.

Selectmen backed their $2,500 request, saying the chamber provides services that benefit local businesses and ultimately the entire community. Many on the Budget Committee said it should be up to individual businesses to support the chamber rather than use taxpayer funds.

With annual activities sponsored by the chamber such as Chester Greenwood Day and the Home and Leisure Show, the organization serves the whole community, Michael Blanchet, chamber vice president of membership, said.

Neither board supported a request of $5,050 for Safe Voices.

Domestic abuse is epidemic in Maine and Franklin County, Jane Morrison of Auburn, executive director of Safe Voices, said.

The organization’s name was changed to help men who are also abused, she said.

Safe Voices provides an office in Farmington with two staff members who work with people in the courts and go into the schools to educate students on dating violence. The organization provides shelter for those trying to escape domestic violence.

Advocates for Safe Voices meet people when they’re at the lowest points of their lives, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Robinson said.

“It’s about someone who needs comforting and help, no organization addresses those needs,” he said.

Hufnagel endorsed the work done but said it should be up to individual choice.

Voters amended the article providing the requested amount for the organization.

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