Boothbay Harbor's budget proposal is around 7% higher than last year, according to Town Manager Julia Latter at the March 9 selectboard meeting. Latter said the town budget committee has finished its work and proposed an overall $6,853,908 budget.   

The figure covers the municipal budget and external expenses, including those for the county, schools and ambulance service. Last year, voters passed a $6,404,935 total budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Latter said the warrant will go before selectmen for their approval at their next meeting. The annual town meeting to vote on the warrant is at 9 a.m. May 2 at the fire station.

In other business, the board discussed a process to help nonprofits apply for grant funds. The town is creating a document outlining how to serve as the financial vehicle for grant applicants, including guidelines to ensure they meet local, state and federal grant reporting requirements. Latter said the town has acted in this capacity in the past, and the process will help meet the town’s initiatives and plans through the new comprehensive plan. She added, a documented process will reduce risk to the municipality, and a draft is being reviewed by the town’s lawyer.  

Construction for the new salt and sand shed is underway, and Latter said concrete walls have been poured, and work will continue through mid March. She also said the town float project at the public pier is scheduled to be completed by the end of April.   

Latter informed the board of several paving projects around town, noting that this winter was especially rough on the materials. She said some work that has been planned for 2028 already needs fixing. However, she was hopeful that there would be funds in the budget to repair the footbridge parking lot and the lot behind the town office. Board Chair Michael Tomko said the work could present an opportunity to increase parking spaces with restriped lines.   

In personnel business, Latter said the police department is expanding. She said a new lieutenant started March 2, and three other officers are in the process of being hired. She also said public works has a new employee, who also joined the fire department.