WATERFORD —  About 55 Waterford taxpayers braved the subzero wind chill Saturday to approve the proposed $1.5 million annual budget, an increase over last year’s budget of $1.4 million.

Of the 70 articles approved which comprised this year’s warrant, only a few raised any sort of discussion from the floor. 

Pat Lawler motioned to increase the sum of money appropriated for the Waterford Fire Chief Adrien Morin and assistant chiefs from $7,500 to $10,000.

Assistant Chief Tom Murch explained that he appreciated the thought but they aren’t doing their job for the money and they did not expect an increase in pay.

The motion for an increase of $2,500 to their pay passed unanimously. 

There was further discussion regarding the one-time allocation of $7,598 for the Waterford WREC program, a daycare and activity program run out of the Waterford School.

Director Jen Rondeau and volunteer grant writer Terri Johnson fielded questions and explained the needed expenditure is resulting from School Administrative District 17 withdrawing financial support for insurance reasons. Johnson also announced a $25,000 grant from the Steven and Tabitha King foundation for this coming year.

One of the larger items Waterford voters approved was the proposed budget of $203,620 for the care of the roads and bridges in town.

Road Commissioner Brad Grover explained some of the larger projects they will be competing this year, including the paving and ditching of the Baker Hill section of Sodom Road. He fielded a few questions regarding the unusual severity of this years frost heaves, explaining the January rains and wild temperature fluctuations are all contributing to the cavernous and ever-changing potholes.

The selectboard announced that the mill rate for this coming year will remain $15.30, the same as 2016.

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