Vienna residents reelected incumbent town officials Friday and increased funds for legal fees at the Vienna Annual Town Meeting on Saturday.
In a three-way race for second selectman, incumbent Chris Smith retained his seat with 71 votes. He defeated challengers Steven Lilley Sr., who received 57 votes, and Roger Pelton, who received 34 votes, according to Town Clerk Annie Tibbetts.
Smith, 49, is a building contractor who has been in office for 12 years.
In the only other contested race on this year’s ballot, incumbent Daniel Goucher’s 114 votes returned him to his post as road commissioner, defeating Darrell Watson, who received 50 votes.
Tibbetts, who was unchallenged, was re-elected as town clerk and tax collector.
Dodi Thompson, first selectman, Jeffrey Rackliff, third selectman, and Martha Gross, treasurer, were also re-elected in uncontested races.
About 65 residents turned out for Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting, which wrapped up in about an hour and 15 minutes, according to Thompson.
Voters agreed to add an additional $4,107 to the legal account to bring it to an even $6,000 with $1,893 carried over in the account from the previous year, according to Thompson.
Thompson said the original recommendation from selectmen was to just use the carried-over funds, but outstanding legal bills came in since that recommendation was made which depleted those funds, so residents agreed to increase the amount.
Thompson said the town currently has a lawsuit pending regarding an appeal of an Appeals Board decision regarding a cellular phone tower, so the additional money will help the town deal with that.
All other warrant articles passed as recommended, including a warrant article which modifies the setback requirements for cellular phone facilities in town.
The total budget, including town and school spending and Vienna’s share of county expenses, is about $1.1 million. The municipal budget is up, with the increased legal account funds, by about $24,000.
The tax rate is currently $17.20 for every $1,000 of property value.
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