LEEDS  — About 35 Leeds voters approved a budget of just over $1 million for the town Saturday, agreeing to almost every spending article presented at the annual town meeting. 

As part of that new budget, voters agreed to set aside $180,000 and use an additional $100,000 in carry-over for road upgrades. Town Clerk Joyce Pratt said some of that money will go toward improving Lake Shore Drive, a former camp road that is “pretty much a disaster at this point.”

Although the road won’t be completely overhauled, she said, “This is the start of trying to get Lake Shore Drive in better condition.”

The approved budget is about $50,000 more than the current budget. With a $50,000 increase in the school budget, Leeds will spend $100,000 more next year than it did this year. 

Since revenue will continue to roll in through June, it’s unclear exactly how much Leeds’ property tax rate will have to increase to meet the new spending. However, Pratt estimated property tax will increase from $15.80 per $1,000 to about $16.40 per $1,000.

For a $100,000 home, that’s an increase of $60 a year.

On Friday, voters re-elected Fire Chief Glenn Holt. He was running unopposed. 

At the same time, voters chose a replacement for longtime selectman Errol “Ade” Additon. Running unopposed, David Barker won the seat with 51 of the 52 votes cast.

Additon, who had served as selectman for more than 20 years, was honored and presented with a plaque at the town meeting Saturday.

Jane Wheeler, former town administrator, was also honored. She was presented with a Spirit of America Foundation award for her volunteer efforts, including work at the Leeds Food Pantry, at local nursing homes and with people who need help with transportation to medical appointments. 

ltice@sunjournal.com

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