The Boothbay Harbor selectboard has walked back parking fees after a steep increase last year. April 28, selectmen approved fee decreases and a first-offense warning for many violations.   

As part of a suite of changes to town parking last year, many fees increased from $25 to $60. Now, selectmen have approved both a warning for the first violation and a fee reduction to $40 for several offenses, including overtime parking, double parking and exceeding a 24-hour limit.  

Some fees were also reduced from $100 to $80, including parking on a sidewalk or crosswalk, blocking a fire hydrant, and parking in a fire lane. The full parking fee schedule is available from the town.  

Regarding parking, Town Manager Julia Latter said public works put barriers near the House of Logan parking lot off Oak Street, following concerns about an overturned car earlier in April. She said the town will be working on a more permanent solution. 

In public comment, resident Daniel Parrott asked about progress on creating a parking committee. Chair Michael Tomko said one has not been formed, but the board is working with Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission and Midcoast Council of Governments to discuss the issues. 

In other business, Finance Officer Thomas "Quincy" Browne gave a report on year-to-date figures. He said the town has received 95.9% (around $10.4 million) of its budgeted revenue, which is in line with what it received last year at this time. He also said the town has collected 96.7% of taxes.

According to Browne, the town spent 85.5% (over $9.2 million) of budgeted expenses for the year; it spent 97.2% at this time last year. Browne told the Register the difference is largely because of this year’s increased budget and cash flow timing. 

However, Browne said department expenses are down relative to last year because department heads are working to cut costs based on financial reports. “It’s a team effort,” he said.    

The selectboard also approved a $11,169 purchase order to install 31 windows at town hall. Latter said the windows have already been purchased, and the entire project is covered by American Rescue Plan Act funds. The board agreed to sell whichever used windows are salvageable.  

The board accepted a donation from Selectman Ken Rayle for a school sports team sign to be placed by the high school. The sign will replace one by Adams Pond on Route 27. “I’m happy to give it to the school where more people will be able to see it and appreciate the accomplishments of our students throughout the years,” Rayle said.

Latter thanked the Coast Guard for a $250 donation to put decals on municipal boats for visibility.  

Selectman Mark Gimbel reported the Coast Guard will be removing over 100 channel markers and navigational buoys from Maine as part of a national effort to modernize navigation systems. Gimbel said proposed local changes don’t appear substantial, but they could have an impact in places like Spruce Point ledge, which he said was a common area for problems.   

Gimbel said the Coast Guard is looking for public comment on which markers and buoys to remove or keep. “Everyone should take a look because when it’s done it's done,” he said.