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Boothbay selectmen preview budget, weigh higher paving target and TIF ballot for Country Club Road
Summary
At their Jan. 8 meeting the Boothbay Board of Selectmen reviewed a preliminary budget under 4%, discussed pressure-testing irrigation leaks, and debated raising the annual paving target toward $250,000 and placing a Country Club Road TIF question on the May warrant.
The Boothbay Board of Selectmen on Jan. 8 reviewed a preliminary 2025 budget that Town Manager Daniel Bryer Jr. said is currently “under 4%.” Board members focused on several line items that could change before the warrant is finalized.
Bryer urged the board to test the town’s irrigation system for leaks after noting unusually high water use; he said the town’s irrigation app can adjust for weather but recommended a pressure test to locate any leaks. Tracey Hyson, who reviewed budget materials, asked the board to raise the Elections line to $2,000 to anticipate a possible June event. Bryer also reported dues and subscriptions running about $1,000 higher and a 9% increase in health insurance costs after adding another enrollee.
Vice Chairman Steve Lewis pushed for a larger paving program, saying the current $197,000 figure is insufficient and proposing a long-term goal of $250,000 per year. “I am thinking $250,000 would be a better amount,” said Vice Chairman Steve Lewis, arguing the town should set a target and reach it over several years. The board discussed using Tax Increment Financing funds to pay for repairs to Country Club Road and agreed the question should be placed on the May town-meeting warrant if members support it.
Bryer said outside organizations seeking town funds must submit applications by the first Board of Selectmen meeting in February to be considered at the second January meeting, when the Board will decide the warrant for Town Meeting.
Next steps: staff will follow up on a pressure test for irrigation, finalize budget line items with department leads, and prepare any TIF warrant language and related materials for voters if the Board approves placing the Country Club Road item on the May ballot.
