Select Board raises alarm over county budget growth; schedules town budget hearings and outreach

Board members at the West Bath Select Board meeting pressed for greater transparency about county spending and expressed concern about its local tax impact, saying the county budget has grown sharply since 2017.

One member said the county's budget "has increased by 93 almost 94% since 2017," and noted the disappearance of a roughly $600,000 payment as a factor affecting town finances. The board discussed inviting a county commissioner to explain why property-tax assessments and county spending trends have driven recent increases.

The board also confirmed several upcoming dates: free dump day on April 11 (one truckload per household), hazardous waste collection April 25 at Industry Road in Brunswick (preregistration opens April 6; slots are limited), an Over the Hill ATV cleanup on April 18 at 8:00 a.m., an A2K public-input meeting May 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the SMCC LLB learning center at the Landing in Burns, the budget public hearing on April 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the fire station, and the town meeting on May 4 at 6:00 p.m. at West Bath School. Board members encouraged residents to review the budget-committee recommendations and attend the hearings.

During public comment, Suzanne Andre said she is running for the state House of Representatives: "I just want to let you know, if you don't know already, that I'm running for the House of Representatives." The board recorded requests for better minutes when the budget committee takes formal votes so there is a clear public record.

The meeting concluded with procedural business and a unanimous vote to adjourn.