NORWAY — Town Manager Dennis Lajoie has unveiled an initial proposal for a $5.2 million municipal budget for 2022-23. The net budget is $78,355 less than this fiscal year.
The Budget Committee will review the plan over the next four to five weeks before sending it to voters at the annual town meeting in June.
The initial proposal includes a 3% cost-of-living increase for nonunion employees, $123,714 for the first payment on the new highway garage and a $40,000 increase for the Norway-Paris Solid Waste Facility. Capital reserves will drop by $125,175 because highway and town office projects will not be funded.
Revenues are increasing by $265,512 0r 16.5% due to more state revenue-sharing and using money from surplus for tax relief.
Lajoie said the spending plan reflects the large turnover in senior staff this year. Those retiring include Highway Foreman Art Chappell in May, Town Clerk Shirley Boyce in June, Police Chief Robert Federico in August, highway mechanic Donny Upton in October, and Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Director Deb Partridge, Fire Chief Dennis Yates and Lajoie, all in December.
Lajoie gave selectmen an overview of the budget last week. The assessments for School Administrative District 17 and Oxford County have not been determined.
“The budget being submitted reflects a shared vision for a responsible budget for the town of Norway to provide for public services, be stewards of the town’s assets and plan for the town’s future capital needs,” Lajoie said.
In other business at last week’s meeting, Christopher Bilodeau was hired as code enforcement officer and addressing officer. He started Monday and requires training and licenses before assuming duties as the plumbing inspector.
The board accepted a donation of $120 from Chad Phillips for electricity use at the Longley Square charging station.
The Provider Committee recommended appropriating $25,000 to 15 agencies, such as SeniorsPlus, Community Concepts, Responsible Pet Care, Safe Voices and Western Maine Vets.
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