By Kelly Morgan,Staff Writer

NORWAY – Volunteers are sorely needed as Norway Downtown Revitalization continues with efforts to reorganize and tighten its belt, its leaders say.

At a meeting of the Norway Downtown Revitalization Board of Directors on Thursday, President Roy Gedat asked members to support a $57,600 budget for 2005 that includes reductions in program staffing and event expenditures.

The budget passed with a 6-0 vote. It is $3,870, or 6.3 percent less than last year’s budget of $61,470. Under the budget, Program Manager Anne Campbell is to work no more than 20 hours per week and a support position held by Brittany Stevens has been cut entirely.

Organization member David Sanderson pointed out that the group needs more volunteers.

“My problem is that I don’t understand why we can’t get more than four people that show up for these committee meetings,” he said. He added that he saw more interest in the organization four years ago and asked whether there was a lack of communication or publicity. “Where’s the enthusiasm? I just don’t understand,” Sanderson said.

More business and community support is exactly what the group will be looking for in coming months. Gedat noted that it will be seeking thousands in small business and corporate donations this year. Mailings also are going out in search of participants for a “purchase award” program, which will be part of this year’s Norway Summer Festival and Sidewalk Art Show, to be sponsored by Downtown Revitalization in July.

For $400, businesses will be listed among the art show’s patrons and have an opportunity to chose an artwork from a selected number of pieces at show.

Downtown Revitalization’s books will be audited by a professional accountant for the first time this year as part of the group’s efforts to become more organized, Gedat said.

Also, the group is in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status, or nonprofit status as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Campbell said Thursday that the group has recently received a $10,000 anonymous donation. Bruce Cook of the Norway Budget Committee said he believes the town committee will recommend voters also support a $10,000 donation this year.