The Edgecomb Budget Committee’s goal of reducing contributions to local nonprofits was easier than expected. The committee and selectmen began the 2017-18 budget process requesting all departments reduce spending by five percent. On March 1, the two boards reviewed several requests from social service organizations. Last May, voters approved $6,281 for nonprofits.

The committee achieved its 2017-18 goal without reducing any requests.

The committee needed to reduce donations by $400 to reach its goal. Coastal Transportation, which received a $1,000 contribution last May, didn’t submit a request. Selectmen said the nonprofit was no longer serving the region. That allowed the committee and selectmen to support funding last year’s recipients at the same level. The two panels unanimously agreed to fund Spectrum Generations at $1,021; Healthy Kids at $2,000; The Woodchucks at $600; Midcoast Maine Community Action at $1,000; and New Hope For Women at $600.

The two panels are recommending $5,281 in social services contributions  — a 17 percent reduction, according to town officials. The final recommended figure may drop, however. According to the budget committee, New Hope for Women did not submit a request. Selectman Jack Sarmanian thought it had. He will contact the organization to confirm if it is seeking a contribution.

The panels had a harder time determining library funding. Residents have access to three local libraries, but only received funding requests from two. The Wiscasset Public Library requested $8,200 and Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library requested $5,000. In fisccal year 2016-17, residents gave $4,000 to the Wiscasset library and $2,000 to the Boothbay Harbor library. According to the committee, if  the Wiscasset library doesn’t get $8,200, it may impose fees on the town’s residents.

The request letter states  707 Edgecomb residents are members. BHML’s letter didn’t give the number of Edgecomb users, but it stated the library would appreciate any contribution.

Town officials believe residents use the Wiscasset and Boothbay Harbor libraries, as well as Skidompha Library in Damariscotta. Budget committee member Joe McSwain questioned why Edgecomb didn’t just pick one. Selectman Mike Smith thought the town should continue donating to multiple institutions, especially the one in Wiscasset.

The committee and selectmen tabled a vote to fund both Wiscasset and Boothbay Harbor libraries at $3,000 apiece. This would have reduced Edgecomb’s contribution to Wiscasset by $1,000.

“(Wiscasset) gives us a lot of slack regarding the ambulance service and code enforcement officer position. So I’m not worried about giving $4,000 to the Wiscasset library,” said  Smith.

The selectmen also presented their proposed town hall maintenance budget. At $1,500, it is half what voters approved last May. The selectmen are also proposing pay increases for the town clerk, treasurer and bookkeeper. The three positions haven’t received raises in nearly five years. The proposal would boost pay for the town clerk and treasurer by $430 each, and by $420 for the bookkeeper. If approved by voters, the town clerk’s and treasurer’s pay would be $7,500 annually and bookkeepers would be $4,250.

The two panels also discussed at what level residents should fund Lincoln County Television. Last year, residents approved $500. But in recent years, town officials have heard requests to contribute cable franchise fees totaling $2,500 to LCTV. The two panels decided to recommend $500 for 2017-18. But that may change  in future years. Town officials want to talk with LCTV officials to seek out more local cable television access opportunities to inform residents about municipal issues.  They also may recommend larger donations in future years if they learn more households have access to the channel.

The panels completed their work by discussing the upcoming meeting with the school committee. According to Smith, if the municipal budget was reduced by five percent, a $192,000 reduction in school spending is needed. Smith reported Edgecomb school officials told him any budget reductions would likely impact the local school.

“They told me all the cuts would come out of our school,” he said. “The committee has no control over tuition costs and has a minority vote in the AOS (alternative organizational structure) office budget.”

Both boards are also concerned about a drastic reduction in Edgecomb Eddy School enrollment for the 2017-18 school year. This year’s sixth grade class is the largest in the school’s history, according to budget committee member Karen Potter. Her daughter is one of 21 sixth graders. The school’s current enrollment is 77. Town officials worry next year’s enrollment will be in the low sixties.

Town officials want school officials to consider combining classes and reducing staff. The budget and school committees will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7 in the municipal building.