Rangeley board backs modified budget plan, pulls $245,000 from undesignated fund balance

The Rangeley board voted to adopt a modified version of the town manager's budget-adjustment package, approving the use of undesignated fund balance to reduce the amount the town will ask taxpayers to raise in the coming year.

Board member John moved to adopt Option 5 from the manager's packet with a change to lower the proposed TIF capture and to pull $245,000 from undesignated fund balance into a designated fund; the motion included an explicit instruction to leave the radio tower, cemetery and cable reserves intact at this time. The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

Town manager Joe told the board public feedback at budget hearings and higher-than-anticipated asphalt prices had prompted a recommendation to defer paving (previously $733,000 in the manager's plan). "Based on the feedback we heard at the public hearing... I'm proposing that, with the possible increases in asphalt prices, we just table that for now," Joe said.

Supporters said the modification addressed public concern about large tax increases while preserving funding for known, near-term needs; opponents warned that repurposing reserves risks delaying projects that had dedicated funds. Several members urged staff to return with clearer project plans and cost estimates before moving additional reserves.

Next steps: staff will reflect the board's motion in the warrant materials and present a summer agenda item to revisit the radio tower, cemetery and cable reserves if project plans develop.