Castine Selectboard reviews proposed budget increases, schedules weekly budget sessions

The Castine Selectboard met Jan. 28, 2026, to review proposed changes to the town’s general government budget and to set a regular meeting cadence for continued budget work. Finance Officer Karen Motycka and Town Manager Derik Goodine participated in the review as the board examined line-by-line adjustments and practical next steps.

Motycka outlined the largest line-item shifts the board is considering: municipal salaries are proposed to rise by $16,804 (reflecting a 3.3% CPI-U adjustment for the Northeast), FICA/MEPFML contributions would increase by $1,370 (8.15% of salaries), group insurance costs are projected up $6,145 (9% increase), and retirement contributions up $748. Utility estimates were adjusted as well: the heat budget was lowered by $1,000 after the per-gallon projection was reduced from $4.00 to $3.50, while electricity was increased by $500. Services (802) were increased by $3,190 overall.

The board discussed a reported $4,876 decrease in the Code Enforcement line tied to lower LPI costs and considered whether Shawn — who may seek certification — could assume some code-enforcement duties on an adjusted-hours basis; Town Manager Derik Goodine said he would follow up with Shawn to clarify hours and certification plans. For community and economic development (CEDD), the line is up $1,213 (a 3.3% salary increase); the board discussed moving $500 to the 801 Supplies line and $500 to 802 Services to better incorporate recurring expenses.

Insurance costs drew attention: the insurance line is projected up $6,545, driven in part by the town’s recent claims experience (five workers’ compensation claims over several years and storm claims in January 2024) and a referenced Maine human-rights claim. Board members asked staff to note those drivers in budget materials.

Selectboard member Roberta Boczkiewicz questioned the value of multiple chamber and tourism memberships, asking staff to confirm whether each membership provides a measurable benefit. "Do we really need to belong to 4 different Chambers/Tourism?" Boczkiewicz asked; the board asked staff (Ina) to review each listed chamber/tourism group and whether continued membership is justified. The notes flagged the Bucksport Chamber as possibly no longer in service.

Assessment and mapping costs were also noted: the assessment line is up $435, citing higher RJD daily rates and increased CAI tax-mapping fees.

Under an "Unclassified" tab Motycka said she has compiled service agency requests and their letters; the board was asked to review those submissions ahead of the next session. Boczkiewicz suggested setting aside funds for Comprehensive Plan implementation (for speakers, materials or copies) — one option discussed was creating a Comprehensive Plan capital account. Chair Dan Leader also raised whether the town should budget funds for housing-related work (for example, engineering) if the board decides to pursue housing initiatives; no specific amounts were adopted.

The board set the next Budget Work Session for Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at 7:30 a.m., and agreed to hold weekly Wednesday morning budget sessions at 7:30 a.m. going forward. Leader said he would contact Maine Municipal to seek advice on providing updated budget documents to the public without creating extra work for staff.

Chair Dan Leader moved to adjourn at 8:38 a.m.; Selectboard member Amy Gutow seconded. The motion carried by voice vote, 3-0.

The board’s immediate next step is the Feb. 4 budget session; staff will follow up on requested clarifications about code-enforcement hours, membership benefits for chambers/tourism organizations and the compiled service-agency submissions.