Each year, non-profit organizations request funding from municipalities for their annual budgets. This year, Boothbay received 19 requests with seven seeking more than in the previous year. On May 5, residents will vote on the municipal budget and all outside organization requests via the municipal town meeting referendum. Selectmen provided eight organizations with an opportunity to explain their request to voters during the Feb. 12 meeting.

Boothbay received $706,857 this year in requests which is up from last year's $696,107.

Boothbay Region Ambulance Service requested $506,185 which is up from $499,904 in 2024. Chief Dan Gardner told selectmen their overall budget is up 4.24% resulting in a 1.24% municipal contribution increase. "The cost of everything is up," Gardner said regarding the request. He also mentioned new state mandates are driving up operating costs..

Gardner pointed toward the state's New Medical Leave Act as costing the service an additional $11,000. The act provides employees with at least 12 weeks of paid medical leave. The program is paid by contributions from employers and employees.

Gardner also pointed toward another state program which may increase costs. On Feb. 11, Gardner testified against a legislative proposal in Augusta levying a 6% tax on all ambulance revenues. "This is meant to refill the Maine Care bucket, but it will be devastating for us," Gardner told selectmen. "I'm hoping this gets shot down. We get most of our funding from taxpayers so this is like being taxed on a tax."

Executive Director Lisa Walby spoke on behalf of Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce's Boothbay Lights. The chamber requested the same amount as 2024: $4,000.

Boothbay Lights ran for seven weeks last year beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving and running until New Year's Eve. She described  Boothbay Lights as a major boost in extending the tourist season. "It's a mix of vibrant economic vitality which helps local merchants to extend their season," Walby said. 

Veggies to Table of Newcastle requested $1,250 which is up from last year's $1,000. Donor Relationship and Events Manager Megan Achorn told selectmen the program donates vegetables and flowers throughout Lincoln County. Last year, the program donated 5,428 pounds to its Boothbay region partners.

Spectrum Generations of Damariscotta requested $1,617 which is up from $1,540. Volunteer Coordinator Shawn Forkey told selectmen the main service provided to Boothbay residents is Meals on Wheels. In 2024, Spectrum provided services to 15 Boothbay residents at an estimated $47,000 cost. 

Spectrum also provides Medicare information for seniors. Forkey reported Spectrum Generations receives 66% of its funding from federal grants and 33% from fundraising.

The Boothbay Region Community Center requested $8,500 which is up from last year's $8,000. Jerry Homer told selectmen the center's primary goal is combating social isolation and loneliness.

Homer said the center had 4,600 visits last year. The Community Center also played a role in distributing the blue and white emergency 911 address signs. "We are in the black for the first time in quite a while," he said. "The primary reason is because of Larry Brown and his merry band of friends coordinated the 911 address sign program."

Another popular Community Center program is People Helping People which matches volunteers with people who need transportation. 

Selectman Dale Harmon praised the center's contribution to the region. "I go through their hallways and people, in there, are always active and it's nice to see," he said.

Boothbay Region Historical Society requested $3,000 which up from $2,000. Lucien Laurie is president of the historical society's board of directors. He reported about two upcoming projects. One is a guided tour of the historic ship Eleanor, one of the ships where American rebels dumped British Tea into Boston Harbor.

"It's being repaired at Bristol Marine and we'd like to schedule tours before it leaves on March 8," he said.

Another project is assisting the Boothbay Register in its newspaper preservation digitization project.  Another project would provide better use of space for their artifacts. 

New Hope Midcoast of Rockland requested $1,395 which is up from $1,152. New Hope is the regional domestic violence resource center. Since 1981, New Hope has served people affected by domestic abuse, dating violence and stalking. In 2024, New Hope provided 13 Boothbay residents with services totaling 15 hours of staff time. "New Hope provides legal services and educational awareness training. We provide housing to those leaving their abusers," said Hollie Fleming.

Sweetser is a statewide organization providing mental health services. The nonprofit requested $1,000 for 2025. Sweetser didn't request a contribution in 2024.

Selectmen will hear more funding requests at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 in the conference room.