FAYETTE — The Board of Selectmen addressed budget concerns, rising property valuations and increasing emergency service costs Tuesday at Starling Hall.

The board also voted unanimously to support LD 286, a bill aimed at giving county commissioners greater flexibility in setting municipal tax payment schedules.

Town Manager Mark Robinson said discussions with the Maine Connectivity Authority, Consolidated Communications, and Fidium are ongoing, with an announcement expected regarding concerns over inequitable pricing for Fidium services.

Vice Chairman Michael Carlson reported that the transfer station budget for fiscal year 2025-26 is projected to increase from $93,740 to about $100,000 due to Fayette’s rising state valuation. The valuation rose from $264.4 million to $316.5 million, while its most recent tax bill was based on a local assessment of $237.5 million.

The updated state valuation affects county obligations, school subsidies, solid waste disposal costs, and the town’s ability to maintain a 100% certified parcel ratio. Falling below full certification results in higher costs for taxpayers, as exemptions for homesteads, veterans, and tree growth, farm, and open space programs are reduced by the percentage difference. For instance, if a town certifies at 95%, the value of its exemptions decreases by 5%.

The board reviewed the Fayette Central School board’s budget timeline, which includes a joint workshop with the Budget Committee on April 15.

The annual town meeting is scheduled for June 10 instead of June 12. Local elections will take place that day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Starling Hall, with the town meeting following at 6 p.m. at the school.

The change in date is to accommodate the moderator, town attorney Mary Denison.

Officials also addressed rising emergency service costs. The ambulance service contract with Winthrop increased from $27,782 to $31,459, while dispatch fees increased from $4,819 to $11,045, for a combined increase of $9,903.

The increases are attributed to how costs are allocated among towns. Winthrop officials reviewed their funding formulas and determined they had been subsidizing ambulance and dispatch services, leading to adjusted rates that more accurately reflect service use and expenses.

The board approved the appointment of Holly Pond to the Parks and Recreation Committee, making enough members to hold meetings. The board thanked Pond for her willingness to serve.

The board unanimously approved a motion directing the town manager to draft a letter in support of LD 286, “An Act to Allow County Commissioners Greater Flexibility When Establishing a Payment Schedule for Municipalities to Pay County Tax Bills.” The bill, sponsored by Rep. William Bridgeo, D-Augusta, will be discussed Monday at a public hearing.