NEW GLOUCESTER — The Budget Committee voted 6-1 Tuesday night to recommend no money for the annual Community Fair, which has been held the past 14 years.
Last year, selectmen mandated that the fair be self-supporting.
Committee member Jean Couturier, who voted against the proposal, said it was impossible to get enough volunteers to help during the fair, which draws up to 4,000 visitors. He has worked on the fair in recent years and said he had to get helpers from Lewiston and Auburn.
“Everyone has a good time at the fair, but it’s impossible if you don’t have the committee members and help,” he said.
On Tuesday, the Budget Committee held the first of several reviews of the 2015-16 budget proposed by selectmen.
Tamilyn Wayboer was elected chairwoman and Sean Chayer vice chairman of the seven-member advisory panel appointed by selectmen. There are two slots to be filled.
The proposed municipal budget of $3.58 million is 3.5 percent more than this fiscal year. Estimated revenues are $2.22 million.
The budget does not include the SAD 15 assessment or the Cumberland County assessment of $319,750.
It does include retirement of the Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp. debt of $169,000, though tipping fees will jump from $29 per ton to $41 per ton.
The budget does not include the assistant planner position that has not been filled in recent months. Instead, the board is recommending hiring a part-time person to handle the town website, minutes at meetings and development of a town newsletter mailed to residents.
Among the line items are: town operations, $2.8 million; capital reserves, $104,000; capital projects, $494,000; and paving, $166,000.
The committee approved the following amounts: selectmen, $17,200; General Assistance, $29,000; health officer, $500; cemeteries, $11,000; buildings and grounds, $67,781; and elections, $4,630.
A 10 percent increase in municipal health insurance is expected.
Emergency medical services expenses are up based on the volume of calls with the town’s ambulance transport service.
Upcoming budget reviews include the Highway Department, Transfer Station, emergency services and Fire Department with input from the fire chief, Public Works director and recreation director.
The committee will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Meeting House in Lower Gloucester.
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