PERU — Voters on Tuesday approved a municipal budget of $717,600, Town Clerk Vera Parent said.
The budget is $59,048 less than the current fiscal year. Several budget categories were cut to make up the difference, including $2,000 less for the Fire Department, $11,500 less for Town Office operations, $1,500 less for municipal officers, $2,250 less for general administration and $500 less for General Assistance.
In the race for a three-year selectman term, incumbent James Pulsifer defeated former Selectman Ed Ferland and Dirigo High School history teacher Kurt Rowley.
The vote totals were: Pulsifer, 125; Ferland, 98; and Rowley, 96.
In the race for board secretary, Angela Barkhouse defeated Valerie Taylor by a vote of 179-111.
During an April 29 selectmen meeting, the board approved an official job description for the secretary position, saying it would include a 20-hour workweek at $8.25 an hour to start.
Barkhouse worked for William F. Porter Inc. as an office assistant until the business closed in 2005. She lives on Ridge Road with her 12-year-old daughter. Barkhouse also has an adult daughter.
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