MEXICO — About a dozen residents turned out Tuesday night for a public hearing on the proposed 2012-13 municipal budget of $3 million, up 5.7 percent from the current year’s operating figure.
The most discussion centered around an issue that has caused considerable comment in the past — a doubling of the salary for the recreation director and a significantly higher overall recreation budget.
“How many Mexico children participate?” asked Wesley Raynor. “If it’s 100, that’s $1,300 per kid.”
Article 4 of the 21-article town meeting warrant asks for $144,101 for the Recreation Department, as recommended by selectmen, compared to $93,586 approved during fiscal year 2011-12.
Much of the $50,000 increase is due to increased work hours for the director and for additional part-time help, along with more money to fund future improvements at the recreation park.
Selectmen Byron Ouellette, one of the three selectmen who voted to place the increased recreation budget on the warrant, said the department is the only one that generates income.
He also supported the changes taking place in the department with its new director.
“We have a go-getter who’s interested in doing things. We need to find out if this is going to work,” he said. “A lot of people want this program and are volunteering.”
Resident Jim McDonald said increased funds in an account should benefit the most people.
“When you’re looking to save, this probably benefits the fewest,” he said.
Town Manager John Madigan said several new programs launched by the new director have already started to bring in funds.
Most of the other money articles met with little disagreement.
Residents will also be asked whether they want to allow the sale or use of fireworks in town. The sale and the use will be on two separate articles.
Selectman Reggie Arsenault, who also sits on the Planning Board, said that board will devise ordinances according to how residents vote.
Residents will also be asked to approve a joint agreement between the towns of Mexico and Rumford for the purchase of a new ladder fire truck.
Madigan said the two towns and the two fire chiefs have agreed that the plan will work out for both municipalities.
The cost would be split 80-20, with Mexico paying the smaller amount. The truck is estimated to cost about $500,000.
Mexico’s share would be paid from the fire department reserve account and the sale of an old tanker truck. A few thousand dollars a year would also be required to put into a reserve fund for a replacement ladder truck in the future.
Residents will vote on the 21 articles at a referendum-style town meeting on June 12. They will also decide whether to continue with the referendum warrant, or return to the traditional open meeting form.
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