LITTLETON, Maine — A small turnout of about 20 people gathered Monday evening at the Meduxnekeag Ramblers Snowmobile Club for Littleton’s annual town meeting.
The group spent about 20 minutes going through the warrant articles to approve a 2022 municipal spending plan.
Town Manager Lori Schools said this year’s budget is $694,961, which is an increase of about $70,000 from the previous year. The bulk of that increase stems from a bump in the town’s highway and bridges account.
“We want to stay on top of our roads, so that is why there is extra spending this year,” she said.
The town is also doubling the amount it is setting aside in its building account for the construction of a new municipal garage for its public works department. Last year, the town allocated $10,000 while this year’s figure was doubled to $20,000.
Schools acknowledged that the town will need to apply for grants in order for the building to become a reality, especially since costs for building materials have skyrocketed.
“We have never been a town that likes to borrow money unless it is absolutely necessary,” she said.
Schools also gave an update on the proposed new playground. To date, $52,500 has been collected through various fundraising efforts. The town has a goal of collecting between $80,000 and $100,000 for the new equipment, so additional fundraisers and grants will need to happen before it comes to fruition.
“We will be applying for some additional grants for the playground,” Schools said. “The target will be installation for 2023.”
Gordon Hagerman and Colby Shaw were both re-elected to the town’s board of selectmen during voting earlier in the day.
