It was smooth sailing May 2 as about 50 Boothbay Harbor residents voted to approve this year’s 18-article town warrant, which included a $6,763,908 fiscal year 2027 budget, about a 5.6% increase from last year.  

“Over the past year, we've continued to operate in an environment defined by rising costs and increasing demands. Conditions are felt across the state, in every municipality. In response, our approach has remained consistent: Maintaining core services, invest where it matters and plan responsibly for the long term,” said Town Manager Julia Latter.  

She said cost increases were driven primarily by increased costs, not expansion of services, including health insurance and employee benefits, retirement obligations, equipment and maintenance, and contracted services.

All articles passed without amendment. The budget included $4,336,914 to fund municipal business, with the largest items being police ($1,129,898), public works ($688,977), and paving and construction ($350,000).  

Latter explained, the town has continued to invest in infrastructure maintenance to avoid higher costs in the future, pointing to recent sidewalk replacement projects that also improve safety, accessibility and walkability. In relation to public safety, Latter said the about $5,000 increase to the winter operations budget ($120,155) is due to higher costs for sand and salt, which are essential.

$1,620,863 was budgeted for services, including hydrant ($761,430), the same as last year, and refuse operations ($680,684), which decreased by $18,523. Support organizations were budgeted at $806,132, largely from ambulance services ($602,497). Latter said the increases in the police and fire departments were driven by benefits, equipment and training requirements.

Voters also approved the use of $1,904,043 in estimated revenue to reduce the property tax commitment.    

Several articles on tax requirements were passed, such as establishing a date when taxes are due and payable, fixing a rate of interest on delinquent taxes (7%), and giving municipal officers permission to sell and convey any real estate acquired for non-payment of taxes and execute quitclaim deeds.  

In other business, Selectman Mike Tomko presented the U.S. Coast Guard Boothbay Harbor with the Spirit of America Tribute. The current station was commissioned in 1967 and oversees 1,000 square miles from Cape Small to Fort Clyde with about 35 personnel.

“It's hard to imagine a more selfless and dedicated organization serving the safety and the preservation of our maritime community than our local Coast Guard station,” said Tomko.