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Council member cites Lincoln charter and questions referendum authority ahead of hearings
Summary
A council member read charter language and cited Title 30-A §2504 while urging the council and residents to ensure the budget process complies with charter and state rules; petitioners were urged to attend upcoming hearings.
A council member at the June 22 Lincoln meeting raised concerns about compliance with the town charter and state law and read aloud portions of the charter while urging the council to ensure residents’ voices are heard.
The speaker said they were "standing here for all of the town of Lincoln residents" and noted, "I took an oath of office to the town of Lincoln," framing the concern as a duty to constituents. The speaker read from the charter: "Inhabitants of the town of Lincoln shall continue to be a municipal corporation under the name of the town of Lincoln," and referenced provisions concerning election procedures and responsibilities under state law.
The speaker cited Title 30-A, section 2504, and questioned whether the town’s charter clearly authorizes referendum votes on the budget. They said the charter’s language on referendum authority is not fully clear and emphasized notice requirements, including mention of a 20-day notice rule discussed during the exchange. Councilors responded by setting two public hearings — July 6 and July 15 — and a final budget vote on July 22, and urged petition signers and residents to attend those hearings to press their concerns.
Why it matters: The exchange foregrounds questions about the town’s procedural obligations under its charter and state law. If petitioners pursue a referendum or legal challenge, the timing and adequacy of public notice could be central.
What’s next: Petition signers and interested residents were urged to attend the July hearings; staff and council will provide hearing materials and notice ahead of the meetings.
Quote: "You should come to the voting hearing and make sure that the progress that you want to see is addressed," the council member said, directing petitioners to participate in the scheduled hearings.
Clarifying note: The transcript contains extended, sometimes overlapping remarks about charter authority and referendum procedure. The article reports only what was spoken in the meeting and notes that formal legal interpretation or any challenge would depend on the charter text and possibly counsel review.
