A heavy snow fell Jan. 25 and again Jan. 26, which kept local public works departments busy. Overall, Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer gave the town crew high marks in keeping roads clear.

In the Jan. 28 selectmen's meeting, Bryer congratulated the public works department for its efforts. "If you haven't heard, we had a couple of storms," he said. "We are understaffed, but I thought they did a great job."

The weather was so cold, Bryer reported the department had to switch from salt to calcium. "It was too cold for salt so Mike (Alley) switched to calcium which worked," he said.

In other business, Bryer updated selectmen about his proposed budget and warrant articles for the 2026 municipal warrant. So far, his calculations show a proposed 2.09% increase in municipal spending. Bryer is still collecting budget information such as health insurance costs which may negatively impact his final figures. Bryer told selectmen he expects his budget calculations to rise slightly.

Jan. 28 was also the night outside organizations made their pleas for additional 2026 municipal funding. Deputy Fire Chief Tim Pinkham described the department's request as "right-sizing." The department is requesting $148,225 which is an 11% increase, according to Pinkham. 

In past years, Pinkham said the department had "underbudgeted" for maintenance and supplies. The fire department's proposed budget requests more for maintenance, supplies and wages.

Selectmen urged Pinkham to poll other area departments on their pay and bring the figures back for review prior to finalizing their proposed budget.

Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Cemetery District has received $18,000 every year since 2023. The district is requesting an additional $500 in 2026 from each town.

"It's for everyday costs. Everything costs more. Our insurance is up $900 this year," Trustees President Skip MacPhee told Boothbay selectmen. McPhee also mentioned rising vehicle and water costs as factors.

Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library is requesting $80,808, about a 5% increase. Executive Director Joanna Breen said the library increased to seven employees with four full- and three part-time. "We are in the process from going from a small to a 'smmmedium' library," she said. The library is also offering benefits this year to full-time employees."

Selectman Dale Harmon expressed his support for the library. "I think you have a great program," he said.

Boothbay Region Ambulance Service Board President Rob Ham said calls were up, especially in the summer,  as one reason for requesting more. The service requested $547,753, an 8% increase.

Other factors in the increased request include major equipment purchases. Ham mentioned last year the service purchased two new ambulances for about $50,000 each and a new cardiac monitor. Health insurance costs increased by 8%, and employee raises were also factors in the proposed increase.

Boothbay Region Food Pantry opened in 2009, and this is the first time making a municipal request. Joanne Smith is the pantry's treasurer. She told selectmen the pantry ended a program last fall which provided vouchers for fresh produce at Hannaford's. "We are receiving less federal funding, and would like to use the additional funding to reinstate the program," she said.

The pantry requested $2,000.

The Harbor Theater requested $1,200, which is $200 more than last year. The Harbor Theater provides several options for free and reduced ticket prices. "We really appreciate your support and want to maintain our position in the community as an asset," she said.

Selectman Russ Pinkham commented during the fire department's presentation, the station's upstairs' carpet and walls had a "dated" look. The board reached a consensus to take funding from a capital reserve account for improving the room's appearance. Selectmen proposed placing $100,000 in the capital expenses account over a four-year period to cover fire department and other municipal maintenance needs.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 in the conference room.