The members of Lincoln County’s 2016 budget committee were elected at a caucus of  selectmen on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Three representatives from each of the county’s three districts were elected, as well as Rep. Stephanie Hawke of Boothbay Harbor who will serve as the 2016 legislative representative.

William B. Blodgett, chairman of the Lincoln County commissioners, thanked the newly-elected committee members as he reminded them of the demanding work ahead.

“We very much appreciate the hard work done by our budget committee over the years,” Blodgett said. “They perform this work, as well as their duties as selectmen or legislators. We value their experience and perspective as we approach our 2016 budget.”

The next meeting on the committee’s calendar is a public hearing for budget requests from departments and nonprofit organizations, scheduled for Sept. 17 at the communications center. The first work session for the budget advisory committee will be held on Oct. 8 followed by a second work session two weeks later. The final 2016 budget is due for approval by the commissioners on Dec. 15.

Members elected to the county budget committee for 2016 are as follows:

District One:

Ben Rines, Wiscasset; George Richardson, Westport Island; Jack Sarmanian,  Edgecomb

District Two:

Harold “Bud” Lewis, Nobleboro; Chad Hanna, Bristol; Chester Rice, South Bristol

District Three:

Robin Mayer, Damariscotta; Christopher Doherty, Newcastle; Susan Greer, Somerville

2016 Legislative Representative:

Stephanie Hawke, Boothbay Harbor