AVON — Voters will elect municipal officers and set a budget for 2017 at the annual town meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Town Hall.
There are 58 articles on the warrant. The total budget requests is $229,000, which is about $50,000 more than last year.
According to First Selectman Greta Espeaignnette, voters will elect a selectman to succeed Third Selectman John Calloway, whose resignation is effective Friday, March 17. There are two years left on his term.
“Also, my position is up this year,” Espeaignnette said. “I will accept if nominated and voted in.”
Additionally, residents will elect a treasurer, a tax collector, a town clerk and a road commissioner.
Voters will be asked to consider selectmen’s recommendations for road maintenance and repair costs.
Espeaignnette said town officials are still await approval from the state and federal agencies to replace a culvert on the Avon Valley Road.
“Our construction was put on hold by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and Army Corps of Engineers, due to salmon fry in the area,” she said. “We are anticipating the issue will be settled this year.”
Selectmen are reapplying for a state-funded water bond grant to help with that work. Construction must meet specific environmental standards and is expected to be much more expensive than a standard culvert replacement project.
“Getting that grant money is not a sure thing,” she said. “Because of that, we may need a special town meeting to raise funds.”
Selectmen also recommend creation of a $25,000 road paving account to avoid borrowing money.
Requests to expand and improve recreation facilities include funds to build a portable snack shack and storage facility at Walli Ball Field for use during ball games.
“We also really need to upgrade playground equipment, fence and benches there,” Espeaignnette said.
Selectmen have done the research and had plans approved by the town’s insurance agency.
“We suggest using some Public Service Account funds, as well as donations, to accomplish this soon,” she said.
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