FAYETTE — Town Manager Mark Robinson told the Select Board on Tuesday that the town has a multimillion-dollar “war chest” to fund significant infrastructure improvements this year.

“Before we did anything this year, we had $3,157,950,” he said, calling it a “war chest.”

“We invested over $1 million, leaving us with $2,093,132 to go into 2025 without raising another penny from taxation.”

Addressing the board at its meeting at the Fayette Central School gymnasium, Robinson reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects and discussed concerns about Fidium internet pricing and announced updates to the town website.

Completed projects in 2024 include paving Limberlost Road, sections of Russell Road and the fire station parking lot, which was expanded to include a connection to Watson Heights Road. Sandy River Road was reclaimed and paved for a total of $1.06 million, including $30,542 paid to Pine Tree Engineering.

Projects this year include finishing Sandy River and Baldwin Hill roads. Robinson also referenced prior discussions about the possibility of performing temporary improvements on Campground Road, such as a shim and overlay, while longer-term maintenance responsibilities with the Maine Department of Transportation are still being negotiated.

The town also secured a Stream Crossing Grant and Resiliency Adaptation Grant to fund two bridge projects. These will help stretch the remaining funds, but Robinson emphasized the importance of careful planning. “We need to make the wisest and best use of this $2,093,132,” he said.

Robinson highlighted savings from purchasing liquid asphalt at the lowest price in five years, a move that reduced project expenses in 2024.

Fidium internet pricing discrepancies dominated much of the discussion during Robinson’s report. Residents have raised concerns about inconsistent service charges.

Fidium is operated by Consolidated Communications, a major internet provider in Maine that serves communities across the state, including Farmington, Belfast, Vassalboro, Houlton and Standish.

Residents in Fayette have reported pricing inconsistencies that have raised questions about equitable service delivery, despite Fidium’s high-speed fiber offerings.

Robinson said the town does not have a direct agreement with Fidium.

“The agreement is not between the town and Fidium; it is the Maine Connectivity Authority and Consolidated Communications,” he said.

Robinson said Maine Connectivity Authority will look for inequities and what corrective measures need to be taken. He encouraged residents to share their bills with him to assist in resolving the issue.

“Everybody should be treated equally,” he said. “My request is for people to be patient and stay tuned.”

Code Enforcement Officer Jessica Leighton presented updates to the town’s website, fayettemaine.org, which includes features such as online bill pay, a dedicated calendar for town events, and improved access to agendas and documents.

“The goal is to provide all the information residents need with some new features,” Leighton said.

Chairperson Lacy Badeau praised the changes but noted there may be adjustments as the website evolves.

The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21.