CHAPMAN, Maine — Chapman voters approved the sale of liquor on days other than Sunday, overturning the community’s long-standing “dry” town status during annual town meeting on Monday, March 21, at Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club.
Chapman residents voted 18-15 to allow for the sale of liquor on all days except Sunday ending the town’s ban on such sales.
The Board of Selectmen voted for Peter Powers to be this year’s moderator.
All articles in the warrant passed unanimously. Chapman’s expense budget for 2022 increased by $18,881 to $424,599, compared with the 2021 budget of $405,719. Departments that increased were general government, highway, fire, property services and reserve accounts. Departments that reduced their budget expenses were recreation, public safety and community services.
Chapman’s revenue budget for 2022 increased by $11,732 to $316,233, compared with the 2021 budget of $304,501. By increasing revenues and keeping expenses relatively flat, the town kept the tax rate increase low at half a mill. The 2021 mill rate was 17.00 per $1,000 valuation, and the 2022 mill rate is 17.50.
In this year’s election, 33 residents voted. Aside from the decision on the sale of liquor, Isaac Bradley won the three-year select board/assessor position with 18 votes.
Town Clerk Christina Kidney (left) swears in town moderator Peter Powers (center) as town manager Sandra Fournier (right) looks on during the annual Chapman town meeting. (David DiMinno | The Star-Herald)
