NORWAY — Voters at the annual Town Meeting on Tuesday approved purchasing and equipping a new firetruck for up to $800,000.
The money will come from reserve funds and bank financing. The firetruck reserve account has $448,183 and voters approved two articles that brought it to $548,183.
Fire Chief David Knox said the department has three firetrucks and they are looking to replace a 30-year-old model that is used as a reserve. They hope a new truck will extend the life of the fleet.
About 50 voters attended the meeting at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in Paris, approving the $5.7 million municipal budget and passing all 37 articles on the warrant.
It was noted that the $25,000 allocated for the accrued liabilities reserve account is designated for paying retiring employees for the vacation and personal time off they did not take.
One resident asked how the money for cemetery repairs was being used and was told there were ongoing projects, including cleaning stones.
In response to a question on why there was a $185,200 increase to operate Norway/Paris Solid Waste Inc., a representative in solid waste management said it was to due to factors, including overdue maintenance for machinery, rising fuel prices and less money from recycling.
The amendment to the Street Vendor Ordinance allows street vendors year-round with no seasonality restrictions, an annual permit fee of $100, a one-time permit fee of $20 for any single event, and added hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Additionally, a code enforcement officer is to enforce the ordinance and will meet with a vendor and work to correct violations if needed.
Socialy service agencies which received funding include SeniorPlus, Tri-County Mental Health Services, Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice, Safe Voices, Western Maine Sexual Assault Prevention, LifeFlight, Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills, Community Concepts, Alan Day Community Garden, The Table, The Progress Center and The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine.
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