Chesterville – Residents will be asked to weigh in on 57 articles at Monday evening’s meeting, after choosing who will serve on the local board of selectmen.
Polls open Monday at 1 p.m. in the town hall, running until 6 p.m. The town meeting will be held at 7 p.m., following the traditional supper meal.
Incumbent Craig Stickney is being challenged by Orin Knowles II for his seat in the town’s only contested election this year.
This year’s town meeting warrant appears very straightforward this year. The proposed changes to the shoreland zoning ordinance will bring the town’s policies in line with the state’s, and should not result in major changes.
One item of interest is a proposal to pay volunteer firefighters a small stipend or salary for their service. The town is asking for nearly $9,000 to be raised and appropriated to pay the entire department of roughly 20 personnel. Selectmen will decide on the exact distribution method should the voters approve the proposed change.
The town budget, if all recommendations are passed by residents, would be slightly more than $408,000, for a 3.67 percent increase from the 2008 budget.
Let us not forget our “roughly” 20 volunteer Fire Fighters and First Responders when it comes time to vote.
They always seem to show up when needed no matter what time of day or night. With the training that is required to keep them proficient I am suprised we have any volunteers. Think about it when it comes time to vote. I know I won’t.