MERRILL, Maine — Residents in Merrill gathered Tuesday, March 8, for the annual town meeting.
Ralph Bartman III was re-elected to a three-year term on the town’s Board of Selectmen.
A total municipal budget of $239,053 was approved, which is an increase of $11,038 over the previous year.
“Municipal appropriations are up slightly over last year, but we carried forward a credit on our school and have more money to use to reduce taxation, so Merrill taxpayers will see a decrease in their mill rate of 3/4 of a point,” Town Manager Candy Nevers said. “(It is) the first time in a very long time for Merrill taxpayers to receive a decrease — a much needed break.”
Included in the municipal spending is $20,000 for ambulance service, as part of the Southern Aroostook Emergency Medical Service. Last year, under the Houlton Ambulance contract, residents paid $19,462 for the contracted service.
Voters appropriated $70,000 for winter roads maintenance and another $27,000 for summer roads maintenance — the same amounts as last year.
Selectmen will also see a slight bump in their stipends because voters approved raising the yearly amount from $1,200 in 2021 to $1,500 in 2022. In addition, the chairman’s stipend was increased to $2,000.
Merrill voters also decided to amend the Cemetery Ordinance. Under the new plan, the planting of trees and shrubs at the town cemetery will be prohibited. Nevers explained this change was made to make lawn care and maintenance easier.
