INDUSTRY — Voters took just over an hour Saturday to approve all warrant articles at the annual town meeting and set the 2016 fiscal year budget at $411,699.

Dovey Balsam was unanimously elected to a three-year term as selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor. She received 39 votes.

Dr. Robert Patterson received 26 write-in votes for the RSU 9 school board seat. Mark Prentiss and Philip Balsam each received one write-in vote.  

Most articles passed readily with little or no discussion. 

The Industry Fire/Rescue Department requested an additional $5,000. New Fire Chief Kevin Gurney said older equipment needed to be replaced or required more maintenance.

Voters approved an increase of $1,000 for town hall operating expenses. Last year, the town hall budget saw an overage as issues with the heating system were addressed.

The town garage budget was $2,500 higher. Ireland said the town plans to use the increase at the garage to upgrade the heating system and tighten up the building.

Voters approved raising and appropriating $75,000 for summer road maintenance, with $18,000 carried forward from last year. Work on the east side of Federal Row is one of the biggest projects being considered.

“The hot-top section is really broken up,” Selectman Lee Ireland said. The pavement will be taken up, ground and put back down.

One voter asked if more than $500 could be approved for the Industry Community Kitchen. Those involved hold monthly socials and support the homeless shelter and food pantry. Free smoke detectors are also provided. After being told no, Betty Wing said, “Anyone can donate to them.”

Voters approved $3,000 for Large Trash Weekend. Selectman Robert Geisser said the event, held every other year, will be in late June/early July. Some people bring in truckloads, others only a few items. A tipping fee is charged accordingly.

Ireland said it gives taxpayers a chance to get rid of items and clean up the town. The town pays several fees associated with the program.

Voters approved taking $50,000 from undesignated funds to buy a Quonset hut with fabric covering. It will be used for sand/salt storage near an existing shed at the Town Office.

The new building will allow salt to be put up earlier. Less waste should further cut costs. Ireland said it should pay for itself in 10-12 years.

Also approved was $50,000 for the purchase of a used vehicle to replace the 2001 one-ton plow/utility truck. Ireland said wear and tear on the larger truck is reduced by using the smaller one. 

Ireland recognized Martha Wing, to whom the 2015 Annual Town Report was dedicated. “She is an incredibly dedicated employee. Thirty years is a really long time to be doing the same job,” he said.

Amy Palmer was presented a legislative sentiment by Rep. Russell Black, R-Wilton, and Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, who also served as moderator. Palmer and her husband Dan were recognized as Community Champions by Molina Medicaid Solutions of Maine in honor of their volunteer work for the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area Community Energy Program. They have been involved with the program since 2009 and also volunteer at food pantries, clubs and other ministries.

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