Boothbay selectmen have reviewed Town Manager Dan Bryer’s proposed fiscal year 2017-18 budget and will likely recommend a slightly higher one for voter approval. On March 8, the selectmen voted 4-0 to recommend a $2,036,348 municipal budget.

The proposal is a $28,220 increase or 1.14 percent more than this year’s spending. The proposal includes two small differences from Bryer’s. The board proposed a $1,500 pay increase for Fire Chief Dick Spofford. This would increase the chief’s stipend to $15,000 per year.

On Feb. 22, the board discussed and recommended increasing firefighters’ pay by $2 per hour. This led to a discussion regarding the fire chief’s annual $13,500 stipend. The selectmen directed Bryer to survey surrounding like-sized towns to gauge what other municipal volunteer fire chiefs earn. Bryer submitted his findings March 8. The selectmen voted 4-0 to recommend the $1,500 increase.

Selectman Steve Lewis thought the raise was long overdue.  “In the nine years I’ve been on the board, I don’t remember talking about giving him a raise. Personally, I think he should get a $2,000 per year raise. We get a lot out of him for the money he’s paid.

Selectmen may also increase the municipal contribution to the  Boothbay Region Community Resources Council. Last year, voters approved $1,000. The selectmen are recommending an article allowing the board to contribute up to $5,000 if the Council demonstrates needs more than $1,000.

In the past two years, the council requested $5,000, but only received $1,000 each year. The selectmen recommended a warrant item contributing up to $5,000 if the council justified the need. Selectman Chuck Cunningham cautioned the board against recommending an increased contribution for an organization with a $70,000-plus surplus, based on the council’s profit and loss statement.

“Basically, when it comes to funding outside funding requests, my vote is based on need, not want. If they prove it’s a need I will support contributing $5,000,” Cunningham said.

Two nonprofits not receiving a municipal contribution are Spectrum Generations, a Damariscotta-based community engagement organization focused on support for the disabled and seniors,  and Lifeflight of Maine. In 2016, Lifeflight of Maine flew 1,800 missions statewide including six in Boothbay. The Lifeflight Foundation raises funds for aircraft, medical equipment, hospital helipads, statewide aviation improvements and several  educational outreach programs.

The selectmen decided against recommending a $500 Spectrum Generations contribution because the organization duplicates several programs already performed in the Boothbay peninsula. The board decided against recommending $500 for Lifeflight due to the service’s limited access to coastal Maine.

“Every time it seems the weather is too windy or rainy for a helicopter,” Lewis said.

The selectmen also approved a second $5,000 to the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor fireworks fund. For years, the two towns have funded a Fourth of July and Windjammers Days fireworks show. The second $5,000 donation would fund a Festival of Lights fireworks display in December.

The selectmen will hold a public hearing prior to finalizing the May town warrant.

In other action, Bryer reported the search for a new code enforcement officer and municipal office employee is nearly over. Bryer planned to interview three CEO applicants in coming days. Four applicants will be interviewed for the office staff position. Bryer expects to select a new assistant town clerk and full-time CEO within a week.

Selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22 in the municipal building.