Despite a world-wide pandemic, the town of Boothbay’s financial standing is strong, according to the municipal auditor. Fred Brewer reported Feb. 10 Boothbay was entering 2021 with a $2.2 million undesignated fund balance which could cover municipal expenses for 2.5 months. Board Chairman Steve Lewis reported there was a time earlier, in his now 12-year tenure, when the town’s finances were not as strong. “I remember years ago sitting in this seat waiting for taxes to come in and worrying about whether we had enough money to cover our bills,” he said. “We no longer have to seek a TAN (tax anticipation note) to tide us over, and Dan (Town Manager Bryer) deserves a lot of credit.”

Lewis also addressed the board in a different capacity. As Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District station manager, he spoke about the quasi-municipal operation’s 2021 $1,926,921 budget which reflects an 8.29% increase.The district is asking its four member towns for $1,430,421. Boothbay’s share is $515,524, a 9.8% increase. Boothbay will pay 36.04% of the district’s total municipal request. Each town’s request is based on a formula which includes population, valuation and sales tax receipts. Lewis explained Boothbay’s share rose mostly due to an increased state property valuation.

The district budget also includes a $1 million bond for purchasing a new wood chip grinder and paying off the garage’s 15-year bond. The district also experienced lower revenues in 2020 from declining recycling and wood chip markets. “Our request is up, because revenues are not,” Lewis said.  “A couple years ago, there were six mills in Maine accepting wood chips, now there’s two. A Massachusetts town pays the Livermore plant to accept their wood chips, so they’re  definitely not going to pay us, for ours,” he said. 

On a brighter note, Lewis confirmed the district generated over $15,000 in “returnables” revenue. The district redeems returnable bottles and cans at Bootleggers Beverage Warehouse in Topsham. Selectmen will discuss other outside organizations’ budget requests during the next two board meetings. On March 10, selectmen will hold a public hearing and finalize the town meeting warrant. Bryer is also assembling financial information from Boothbay Harbor Country Club about assuming ownership of the public restrooms near the common. “We’re looking at how much the potential gift would cost for maintenance. Restroom operation costs for water, electricity and maintenance are about $900 to $1,100 per year,” Bryer said.

In other action, Bryer reported he will meet with Spectrum and Revision Energy officials about ongoing negotiations. Boothbay wants to renegotiate the town’s expired cable television agreement to include expanding coaxial cable to underserved and unserved rural locations. The town’s agreement with ReVision Energy for leasing solar panels has expired after seven years. Municipal officials are considering taking ownership of the panels attached to public works department buildings. Bryer is checking on the panels’ life expectancy and what a maintenance contract would cost with ReVision. Bryer told selectmen he should have something on each discussion at the next meeting. 

Selectmen meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24 via Zoom conference.