NORWAY — The Select Board on Thursday agreed with the Budget Committee not to recommend a $20,000 increase requested by the Norway-Paris Solid Waste board.

The Budget Committee acknowledged that the organization’s spending has not increased for eight years, but were concerned about the lack of information and transparency in its budget. Its concerns and those of selectmen included:

• Very little detail provided for the increase.

• No explanation for a significant payroll increase.

• No cost for the future closing of the Frost Hill site.

• A projected increase in disposal costs.

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No representative from the waste board was available to explain the added costs for either the Budget Committee at its April 5 meeting or Thursday’s meeting of selectmen.

Town Manager Dennis Lajoie also said Norway-Paris Solid Waste has not completed an audit in three years.

For next year, the Budget Committee recommended the waste board prepare a five-year plan for equipment purchase and replacement, set up a reserve account for Frost Hill site, maintain a current audit and submit a detailed budget that shows planned maintenance of the facility and vehicles.

The board agreed with the Budget Committee and will recommend a budget of $262,000 instead of the requested $282,000.

The Select Board also reviewed budget requests for social services and General Assistance. Social services, which includes nonprofits working with the needy, will remain unchanged at $25,000.

“That’s a manageable amount and seems to cover the organizations who appreciate it,” Chairman Russell Newcomb said.

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General Assistance will see a small increase in administration to cover payroll and health insurance increases, but the $10,000 for assistance remains unchanged.

The Select Board also set the date for the annual Town Meeting for 7 p.m. Monday, June 14, at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. Residents will vote on the 2021-22 municipal budget, elect a selectman, two School Administrative District 17 directors, two trustees to the Norway Memorial Library and consider changes to three town ordinances — curfew, building code and rental.

A public hearing on the proposed amendments will be held prior to the next Select Board meeting at 7 p.m. May 6.

In other business, the board approved a liquor license renewal for Norway Gelato Co. at 427 Main St., allowing it to sell beer, wine and liquor.

The board also approved a request from Central Maine  Power to place a pole near the intersection  of Greenwood Road and Noble Corner Road.

The board also presented a plaque to Carol Millett, a deputy treasurer and who maintains the minutes for the board. Millett is retiring after working for the town for 49 years.

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