Boothbay selectmen reached a consensus Jan. 8 that a $197,000 annual road paving budget isn't enough. Selectmen began reviewing Town Manager Dan Bryer's initial 2025-26 Fiscal Year budget which calls for a 4% overall increase. Selectman Russ Pinkham injected concerns about road maintenance paving and suggested increasing the figure to $225,000. "That's a good point," Selectman Steve Lewis said. "Three or four years ago we increased it by $10,000, but nothing since. I agree we should increase it this year, and each following year by another $25,000 until we get to where it should be."

Bryer also mentioned irrigation and health care costs as growing faster than expected. Bryer reported about a recent conversation with a Farley, Inc. landscaper who maintains the new ballfields and Boothbay Common, about a large amount of water usage. "It's using more than some golf courses," Bryer said. "It's turf so that is a factor, but we need to find out what is causing the high amount of water usage."

Another major budget increase results from employee health benefits. Bryer said health insurance costs are projected to rise by 9%. There may also be a change in how outside organizations request municipal funding. In past years, selectmen required all new organizations seeking money or previously approved ones requesting an increase to make a formal request at a board meeting. If a previously approved organization requested the same amount, it didn't need explain its request. 

Selectmen are considering requiring all organizations seeking funding to make a formal request. "I think everyone should come before the board and explain their requests," Selectman Julie Roberts said. Lewis agreed, and reminded selectmen in recent years residents began casting more votes against outside organizations' requests. 

Finding Our Voices is a Camden-based non-profit organization providing support to domestic violence women victims. The organization received $500  from Boothbay for Fiscal Year 24, but none in Fiscal Year 25. 

"Each year more votes are cast against funding outside organizations. I think last year was the first time in a long time where voters actually rejected one," Lewis said. "So I think the voters are becoming more cautious about who receives funding and how it impacts our community."

In other action, selectmen made two municipal appointments. Tracey Hodgdon-Hyson was re-appointed as registrar of voters. Shri Verrill was appointed as town representative to Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission.

Selectmen approved a wharves and weirs permit for Luke's Boatyard Inc., 15 Luke's Gulch, to replace a pier. Work also includes raising it by 28 inches. 

Bryer read into the municipal record a letter he sent to Barters Island Road resident Fred Lewis. Bryer researched a complaint filed by Lewis regarding 50-year documents regarding his property. The dispute centered on missing documents regarding a second structure built on Lewis' property.

In the letter, Bryer wrote the town had located a previously approved septic variance and building permit. "Your building is in good standing and no certificate of occupancy is necessary because it wasn't a condition when the building was approved," Bryer wrote. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 in the conference room.