HARRISON — With no town manager at the helm, Harrison will determine its 2025 fiscal year budget utilizing a new committee that includes volunteers from the community.
The Select Board discussed creating the committee during its Jan. 9 meeting but opted to take no action, instead scheduling a special meeting for Jan. 16 to decide on its format and consider applicants.
After lengthy discussion last week, the five selectmen split on how to organize the new committee. They eventually voted on a nine-person group – four citizens and the five board members – with each person getting equal vote on proposed spending plans that will be submitted by municipal department heads.
Chairman Matt Frank and Selectpersons Colleen Densmore and Debra Kane voted in favor of forming the committee.
Vice-Chair Phil Nevlin opposed on the grounds that selectmen alone should recommend passage of warrant articles during town meeting.
After voicing support for a 10-person committee, Selectman Nate Session voted against the motion to form a body where selectmen would hold the majority.
The Harrison Citizens Organization (HCO), a grassroots group, organized in December by members of the Planning Board, had presented selectmen with a proposal for a 10-person committee. Planning Board Vice-Chair Scott Ramsdell acted as the group’s spokesperson during the meeting and was the only person to address the Select Board during public comment.
Seven residents, all affiliated with HCO, had submitted applications to serve on the finance committee.
However, when the board voted to allow fewer citizens than selectmen, most rescinded their application.

After Harrison selectmen voted to create a nine-person budget committee consisting of four citizens and the five-member board, Planning Board members Larry Farmer (left) and Scott Ramsdell confer with resident Leo Saidnawey and Planning Board member Mike Garvey while another resident, Robert Monteiro (center, back), rescinds his application to serve on the board. Farmer and Saidnawey had submitted applications but also backed out. Garvey was eventually approved as a committee member, applying verbally when only three applicants stated they were willing to proceed.
Robert Monteiro, Gordon Campbell, Leo Saidnawey and Planning Board member Larry Farmer all backed out.
Kristen Humphrey and Planning Board Chairman James Dayton stayed in contention, with both speaking on their reasons for volunteering and their experience.
One applicant, Del Runnals, was not in attendance.
Selectmen voted unanimously to seat Humphrey, Dayton and Reynolds on the finance committee.
With one vacant seat left, Planning Board member Mike Garvey, verbally applied to fill it.
“I didn’t before because I felt there were more qualified people,” Garvey said. “But I applaud you for what you’re trying to do. You need four citizens and I’d like to be on that committee. I do have finance experience, a construction company and with nonprofit boards. I think I could bring something to this board.”
Garvey’s appointment was also unanimously approved.
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