HODGDON, Maine — Only five residents turned out for Hodgdon’s annual town meeting Monday evening at Mill Pond Elementary School.
The small group spent about 19 minutes approving warrant articles, with little to no discussion. Municipal spending is up slightly for the town as the total budget for 2019-20 of $670,264 features an increase of about $22,000 over last year’s spending plan.
“We put an extra $10,000 in the asphalt account to see if we can do a little more work on our roads this year,” Hodgdon Town Manager Jim Griffin said.
That work includes performing an upgrade to a half-mile section of Jackins Settlement Road.
Another reason for the increased spending was a hike of $3,000 for maintenance to the Hodgdon Homestead housing complex. Griffin explained that greater care needed to be given to clearing snow from walkways for the residents of this complex. That increase will be passed along to the residents of the Homestead, he said.
Other areas seeing small hikes in funding were Cary Library ($5,891, an increase of $398); Recreation Department ($9,650, up $560); and Winter Roads ($209,800, up $2,900).
The town saw an increase in revenues of about $4,000 because of the deorganization of Cary Plantation. Hodgdon will handle all of Cary’s vehicle, boat and ATV registrations moving forward and also will host elections for residents in that area once they are officially part of the Unorganized Territory.
Griffin also lauded long-time town clerk Cheryl Cameron who is retiring in May. She will be replaced by Darcy Oliver who was recently hired and will work alongside Cameron for training purposes.
The low turnout was echoed at the polls earlier in the day as only 20 people cast ballots for two open selectmen seats. Bill Dobbins and Sheila Murchie were re-elected to the town’s board of selectmen for three-year terms.
