RANDOLPH — In a quick, uncontroversial annual Town Meeting, residents passed a $2.8 million budget and recognized a resident for the hard work and dedication he gave to the community over more than 60 years.

Officials presented Glendon James, known to the community as “Sonny,” with a plaque dedicating a pump station to him.

James, who had worked for the town since 1957, retired recently from his role as pump station superintendent.

“We wanted to make sure he was recognized,” said Janet Richards, the town clerk.

James accepted the award from the Randolph Board of Selectmen and said that during his time with the town he “met a lot of nice people and the town supported me 1000%.”

The award was presented to James at the start of Wednesday night’s annual Town Meeting at the town office.

Around 30 residents showed up and passed the $2.8 million budget, with all 46 warrant articles handily approved. Mary Denison moderated and residents had little to no discussion for each warrant article.

The budget for the fiscal year that started July 1 includes the $1,300,537 municipal budget, $1,189,123 for the town’s share of the Maine School Administrative District 11 budget and a $111,414 contribution to the Kennebec County budget.

Residents passed a proposal to help fund repairs to an eroding culvert with the neighboring town of Pittston. Each town would contribute $50,000 to put toward design costs. One resident asked if this money would cover the cost of construction, but selectmen explained it is only for the design costs.

The culvert is located where Barber Road becomes Pinkham Road, allowing Togus Stream to pass underneath.

One resident asked about a proposal to allocate $50,000 for resurfacing and fixing town sidewalks and roads.

Selectman Matt Drost explained that most roads in the town are owned by the state, and the ones that would be repaired are “secondary streets” like Lincoln and Middle streets.

Another resident asked why the town did not appropriate any money for the animal control office this year when last year the town raised $1,709. Drost explained that the office is “self-sustainable” with the number of dog licenses issued on a per-year basis. For the past year, the town registered 258 dogs.

Board Chair Mark Roberts explained that the animal control officer can’t handle wild animals such as skunks, groundhogs and deer. Under state law, wild animals are handled by the Maine Warden Service.

No articles were adjusted by residents.

In addition to licensing 258 dogs, the town recorded 17 births, 16 marriages and 31 deaths.

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