On Tuesday, June 14th Rangeley voters passed a $4.72 million municipal budget.  The twenty-three Business Articles, twenty-six Expense Articles and twenty-one Donation Articles were all approved.
The voters approved three articles that benefit Town employees. Eligible Town employees who worked during the pandemic will receive a portion of $50,000.00 in American Rescue Plan money that will be divided up amongst them based on their work hours.  All non-union employees will be given a 3% cost of living increase to their wages.  All Town employees may now participate in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MEPERS) which is a defined benefit pension plan.
Four candidates ran for two open Selectmen seats.  Current Selectman Ethan Shaffer, former Selectman Donald Nuttall and newcomers Samantha White and Jacob Beaulieu were the contestants.  Ethan Shaffer and Samantha White won the Board seats.
Danielle Lemay and Kayla Alexander were elected to the Regional School Unit 78 Board of Directors.  Jonathan Adkins was re-elected to serve on the Sewer Commission.
The Selectmen approved Event Permits for the July 3rd festivities at their June 20th Selectmen’s meeting.  The Main Street Doll Carriage Parade and Rangeley Town Park music, food and fun activities will commence at 10:00am and continue until the firework display at dusk.
A Vendor’s License was approved for Gourmet Mini Donuts to be located in the Allied Realty parking lot and operated by Richard and Kim McMahon on July 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
The Selectmen discussed the addition of playground equipment to the Rangeley Town Park with Public Services Director Keith Savage.  The equipment was incorporated into the plans for the Park’s reconstruction but did not end up being purchased and installed.  The playground equipment plan will be revisited to determine if newer recreational trends can be included in the mix.  Public input is welcome so share your ideas with the Town Office.
A Citizens Petition to purchase a new fire truck at a total cost not to exceed $750,000.00 was approved by voters on June 14th.  The Selectmen agreed with the legal opinion they received that the total cost included all fees and finance charges.  They authorized the Town Manager to negotiate the purchase of a new fire truck to replace Engine 3 at a total cost not to exceed $750,000.00.
The Selectmen received an update on septic sludge from Public Services Director Keith Savage.  The Town’s permit to spread septic sludge has expired and may not be renewed.  The Town is exploring options to locate sludge storage tanks at the Chick Hill Wastewater Treatment Facility.  These storage tanks would be owned by a septic sludge transport company and filled by a local septic tank pumping service.
The Selectmen approved the purchase of a new debris vacuum from MTE Equipment Solutions for $41,789.60.  The debris vacuum is in stock and is more than $10,000.00 below list price.  The Town of Rangeley’s primary use of this debris vacuum will be to remove goose poop from publicly used areas.
Under Select Board Communication Chair Cyndy Egan thanked Steve Philbrick, who was attending his final meeting as a Selectman, for his Town service.
The front counter at the Rangeley Town Office will be closed on June 30, 2022 so that the office workers can close out the end of the fiscal year paperwork.
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be Tuesday, July 5th.
Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July holiday.

“A democracy is healthiest when the public is informed about the activities of leaders of industry and occupants of public office.” -Melvin Melcher

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