Southport’s town hall held more than 100 residents and guests at its annual meeting on Monday, March 7.

Almost all of the 72 items on the town warrant were approved, which resulted in a 2016 commitment of $2,792,747. Based on a total valuation of $746,724,000, officials announced the new mil rate to be .00374, down from the 2015 rate of .00395 per thousand dollars of valuation.

In a display mounted high above the podium, residents were able to see what every $1,000 of their taxes supported.  Among these amounts, funding for schools was shown to be $308, the Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District accounts for $58 and taxes paid to Lincoln County are $252.

Before voting on the warrant articles, Ron Orchard presented a plaque from the Friends of the Southport Historical Committee which commemorated the 150th anniversary of the building’s construction. Maine Sen. Chris Johnson, D - Somerville, arranged for an official sentiment from the Legislature, which said in part: “We extend to the citizens of Southport our congratulations on the sesquicentennial of Union Hall.”

In the first votes of the evening, Smith Climo was returned to his position as selectman, Gerald Gamage was returned as a trustee of the Boothbay Region Water District, Donna Climo was voted to continue as town clerk and Katherine Tibbetts will remain on the school committee.   

Three articles which would have changed Southport’s bylaws to allow appointment of town officers were defeated. Moderator Matt Cole permitted discussion for more than 30 minutes before a vote was called on the first article: the appointment of town treasurer. Among those who voiced opinions against changing the current method of electing officers, Leigh Sherrill expressed her belief that the town should continue the democratic process of voting. 

Resident Chris White raised the concern that appointment of officers by the selectmen might not be an acceptable business practice. Marcus Hutchins asked, “Am I willing to give up this check and balance?”

Town Clerk Donna Climo and selectmen Gerry Gamage and Smith Climo spoke in favor of the change; all saying that appointing officers would make it easier for the town to address and correct problems quickly. Residents asked if job descriptions and requirements had been created and published and Gamage explained that the selectmen intended to provide these in the future.

Kit Sherrill requested a vote by secret ballot and the 100-plus attendees joined in a spontaneous singing of “God Bless America” while the ballots were counted. The article was defeated by a vote of 61 to 46. A voice vote was held on the two subsequent articles concerning appointment of Southport’s tax collector and clerk and both were defeated. As a result, an article to amend the bylaws was dismissed as irrelevant.

 An article requesting a bylaw change to allow the sale of “spiritous liquor” at Oliver’s Restaurant was defeated, despite a statement from business owner Paul Coulombe in which he reminded residents of the restaurant’s “reputation and perfect record.”

Coulombe committed to “not selling hard liquor before 5 p.m.” in deference to concerns about children in the area during the day. An amendment to the article was proposed which expressly limited the sale of hard liquor to the hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Because the vote would have changed the town’s bylaws, a 2/3 majority was needed to pass the measure.

Despite multiple attempts to count hands on the matter, voting was so close that residents were asked to stand at opposite sides of the room based on their vote. “Yes votes near the kitchen and no votes near the piano,” directed moderator Cole. The final tally was 37 against the measure and 71 in favor, which fell only one vote short of the needed 72 votes to pass.  “I’m disappointed,” Coulombe stated. “But we’ll try again.”

Other articles passed with amounts as suggested by the town’s budget committee.