Poland schedules two public hearings ahead of annual town meeting; ballot timing, referendum timeline noted

The Poland Board of Select Persons voted March 18 to hold two public hearings on the annual town meeting warrant — Tuesday, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. — both to be held in the Poland Town Office with Zoom links available, the board announced.

Matt, the town manager, presented the proposal and said the April 1 session will be brief and tied to the board’s regular meeting; the April 7 session was scheduled to avoid a preexisting community meeting. “The first one be held Tuesday, April 1st, which is our typical meeting, except it will start at 6:30 p.m., and then the second one, Monday, April 7th at 6:30 p.m.,” Matt said.

The hearings fulfill the charter requirement for two public hearings before the board signs the warrant for the annual town meeting. Town staff said a newsletter will be mailed before the April 1 hearing so residents receive article summaries and can prepare questions in advance.

Separately, board members discussed a potential referendum on a revised cost-sharing formula. Selectperson Marian Hawk said staff and the superintendent have been asked to confirm a timeline; the superintendent was asked to provide an answer by April 16 so ballots can be ordered in early May if required. The board noted the election itself is in June but emphasized ballot- and absentee-vote logistics require earlier preparation.

Board members and staff encouraged residents to attend in person or via Zoom and to contact the town office with questions. The hearings were approved by a 3–0 vote.