Voting day set for June 8 in Dover-Foxcroft
DOVER-FOXCROFT — A validation question on the proposed 2021-22 RSU 68 budget will be on the Tuesday, June 8, ballot along with the Dover-Foxcroft referendum items. The selectboard formally signed the RSU 68 warrant during a May 24 meeting.
The question, which will also go to residents of Charleston, Monson and Sebec on June 8, asks if the budget approved at the May 25 RSU 68 district budget meeting will be adopted. In Dover-Foxcroft, the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Morton Avenue Municipal Building.
That same day Dover-Foxcroft voters will be completing the two-part process to approve a 2021-22 municipal budget. Absentee ballots are also available through the end of the work day on Thursday, June 3.
The question asks if a proposed $6,840,330 Dover-Foxcroft budget for 2021-22 set at last month’s annual town meeting will be approved.
SALUTE TO OUTGOING SELECTPERSON — Dover-Foxcroft Selectboard member Scott Taylor, left, was presented with a plaque from Chairperson Elwood Edgerly during Taylor’s final meeting as a board member on May 24. Taylor had served for 12 years.
The figure will be offset by $3,198,760 in nontax revenues for a net amount of $2,903,750 to be raised. The total appropriation is up by $772,875 (14.5 percent) from 2020-21, while revenues are $664,604 (26.23 percent) more than the current fiscal year. The near net $3.2 million to be raised represents an increase of $108,271 (3.87 percent) from 2020-21.
The municipal election includes voting for a pair of three-year seats on the board of selectmen, with current Vice Chairperson Cynthia Freeman Cyr, Barry G. Hutchins and Michael S. Sutton listed on the ballot. One position for a one-year term for the Thompson Free Library Executive Committee will be decided on, and incumbent Barbara Buerger has her name listed on the ballot. Citizens will also vote on two, three-year RSU 68 school board seats as incumbents Joel A. Pratt and Timothy G. Smith are listed along with Stephen G. Robinson.
In other business, the board approved its summer meeting schedule with one regular meeting set for each month. These sessions will be Monday evenings June 14, July 19 and Aug. 23. The motion includes opening the meetings up to the public in-person with a Zoom option for those who would prefer to continue to attend virtually.
In his report, Town Manager Jack Clukey said the community’s messaging regarding masks has changed as of that day to reflect the most recent CDC guidance on masks and social distancing. For those not vaccinated, masks and social distancing are recommended.
“Previously masks were required, so we made that change as of this morning,” Clukey said, as masks will still be available to the public coming into the town office.
Board member Gail D’Agostino said she wanted to thank the Piscataquis Chapter of the League of Women Voters for the Candidate Night held the week before at the Center Theatre featuring candidates for the selectboard and Dover-Foxcroft representatives to the RSU 68 school board.
She said it was a great opportunity for the candidates to present themselves to the public.