Farmington voters will consider how much they are willing to pay for road repairs and the library, weigh whether to approve two building-related ordinances and elect a new selectman as part of the annual Town Meeting and elections Monday.

Voters will decide the final town budget at the Town Meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the Community Center at 127 Middle St. Voters will be presented with requests from departments and contractors, the recommendations by selectmen and recommendations by the budget committee.

The budget committee and selectmen both recommend a $5.25 million budget, up 4.5 percent from last year.

The Farmington budget committee is recommending maintaining current funding for the library, which is $5,000 more than selectmen are suggesting.

Neither panel has endorsed the nonprofit Farmington Public Library’s request for $146,666, which is up 2 percent over last year’s funding. Selectmen propose cutting $8,000 from that request. The budget committee recommended flat funding for the library, which would be $3,000 less than the library’s request.

The increase in the town budget is largely because of increases in public works costs, including road repairs.

The Public Works Department is requesting $215,000 more than last year, hiking the department budget 20 percent to $1.23 million.

Increases in the public works department budget include $15,000 more for sand and road salt and the hiring of two additional full-time employees at a cost of about $45,000 each, including pay and benefits.

Residents will also consider two new ordinances, one for fire and life safety and another for building inspections.

The Fire and Life Safety Ordinance would give the Farmington Fire Department formal authority to conduct safety inspections. Davis said now the law gives the State Fire Marshal authority to inspect buildings to determine whether they are fire hazards or present safety issues, but the Farmington department generally conducts the inspections.

The building permit ordinance would require a permit from the code enforcement officer for construction, alterations or demolition work on structures in town. The fees for the permits would vary by project. It would also create a record of the construction that could be used to adjust property tax valuation on the property.

There are no contested elections. Matt Smith, a member of the budget committee and planning board, is running for a three-year term on the Board of Selectmen. Chairman Ryan Morgan, who holds the position, did not file papers to run for another term.

Incumbent Iris Silverstein is running uncontested for another term on the Mt. Blue School District board of directors.

Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252

kschroeder@centralmaine.com

Copy the Story Link