STRONG — Townspeople soon will be able to access a municipal website now that selectmen have approved a plan to contract with a local web-design company.
On Tuesday night, web developer Greg Siekman presented selectmen with a plan to develop a site that will provide basic municipal information, along with news, meeting minutes and updates. He will create a set of pages accessible at www.strongmaine.com.
The town will own the domain name and, after Siekman creates the pages, librarian Erica Ouellette will update pages as needed. Siekman Media is a web, graphic design and digital marketing company based in Kingfield. Selectmen approved taking the money out of the account designated for town charges.
In other matters: Town Clerk Betsey DuBois said voters in March will elect two selectmen to three-year positions, school board directors to a one-year or a three-year term and two budget committee members to six-year terms. Signature papers are available at the Town Office.
Selectmen approved closing the Town Office for the day on Dec. 26. The town treasurer said she may have to close the office at noon Friday, Dec. 29, so she can close the town books. If so, she will post that information publicly.
Selectmen debated the benefits of issuing credit cards to employees. Board Chairman Dick Worthley will review the draft of the proposed credit card policy and refer it to attorney Frank Underkuffler for legal advice.
Selectmen also agreed to raise wages for employees.
“We have the lowest administrative budget in the area,” Worthley said. “(Our employees) are our best asset.”
Selectmen voted to increase salaries 25 cents per hour for full-time employees. They agreed to a $1-per-hour increase for part-time employees, including the librarian and custodian. They also agreed to raise Town Clerk Betsey DuBois’ salary to $16 an hour.
Selectmen also extended thanks to Integrity Electric for installing Christmas lights along Main Street.
After Jan. 1, selectmen will start meeting biweekly to plan the 2018 budget in preparation for the annual town meeting in March.
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