GREENWOOD – About 50 voters attending the town’s annual town meeting Saturday approved a municipal operating budget of $819,802, which is down by $69,556 from the $889,358 that was approved a year ago.
Ten of the 11 budget articles were approved as recommended by the selectmen, with the exception aimed at setting a general services budget for the coming year.
In that case, $3,823 was added to the area regarding social service agency requests bringing that article’s total up to $19,199 from the original amount recommended of $15,376.
The increase was approved after resident Cathy Newell told the assembly that social service organizations do a lot for the townspeople, and it is a shame to turn away from giving social service organizations the help they need.
“We have a lot of people who get help here,” said Newell, “and we should do our part to help them.”
The measure passed easily.
The people were reminded, however, that what they approved Saturday represents the town’s municipal operating expenses only. It did not include the assessments for SAD 44 or the Oxford County tax. When those are added later this spring, the bottom line of the budget will total about $1,155,10. That amount would be $16,649 less than last year’s total budget.
To help keep the tax commitment as low as possible, voters approved using $466,195 in surplus funds and revenues.
Out of the 11 budget articles, the major accounts included $347,000 for the Highway Department, $201,166 for the administrative budget, $76,200 for the G&W Transfer Station, $54,832 for debt service, $53,000 for the Fire Department accounts, $31,855 for planning and $26,350 for facility maintenance. The rest of the articles regarding expected expenses ran from $19,000 to as low as $3,000.
The meeting was moderated by Woodstock Town Manager Vern Maxfield.
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