Washburn approves $1.9 million budget
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
WASHBURN — Citizens approved a $1.9 million budget, as proposed by town officials, during the community’s annual town meeting, held March 22.
All items were approved as presented, although a few items led to a bit of debate, as residents considered the necessity of certain line items during the nearly hour-long gathering at the Washburn District High School.
Among the items that led to discussion were the amount designated for the Recreation Department and funds set aside to aid non-profits such as Catholic Charities of Maine.
Town officials recommended $71,669 be approved for the operation of the Recreation Department. Voters questioned the amount under Article 8, noting they felt services offered by the department duplicated those offered by the schools.
An individual asked if programs were funded 100 percent, with Rec Director Marcie Barbarula indicating that was the case. Town Manager Bev Turner noted that Wade and Perham also contribute to the facility’s operating costs, since youth from both communities attend activities and programs offered through the department.
One woman asked if programs could be cut during the school year since the schools have similar offerings. She suggested limiting the department’s programs to only when school isn’t open, noting “these are tough times and tough decisions need to be made.”
“I start with kindergarten. The school starts at grade 6,” said Barbarula. “How will you get participation for school programs without (kids taking part in) rec programs first?”
Another man was in support of such programs, saying the town “shouldn’t cut funding to our kids.”
Former Town Councilor Jeff Wark said it wasn’t just area children who benefit from programs and activities offered by the Rec Department.
“The Rec Center also provides activities for our seniors. For many, it’s their only outlet,” said Wark.
Councilor Keith Brown said the school and Rec Department collaborate to offer a variety of activities to the community.
“The school department and Rec Department work hand in hand. The school allows the rec to use their facilities at no fee. You won’t find duplication” of programs between the two, said Brown.
Some residents questioned where the money was going, noting those in the community who could afford it could chip in to cover the cost of uniforms and fees for their children. One resident noted that of the nearly $72,000 requested, only a small portion is actually for such fees.
“That’s (the $71,669) for salary, the rec van, the building. Programs aren’t much of this. You’re getting a tremendous value for the money,” said the unidentified man.
The rec portion of the budget passed, with only a handful voting in opposition.
The other item that raised concern was Article 17, for $14,462, which encompassed monies set aside for outside agencies. Under the article, the funds are distributed as follows: Central Aroostook Humane Society, $2,766; Aroostook Agency on Aging, $1,900; American Legion, $300; Washburn August Festival, $5,000; Homeless Services of Aroostook, $1,627; American Red Cross, $467; Washburn Trailrunners, $1,000; Washburn ATV Club, $350; Healthy Families Aroostook, $200; Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District, $500; St. John RC&D, $88; Catholic Charities of Maine, $300; ACAP, $326; Washburn Historical Society, $1,000; Northern Maine Development Commission dues, $2,520; and Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation, $50.
Turner explained the majority of requests for funding are made by the organizations, with the exception of those mandated by state law, including funds for the animal shelter.
One man indicated displeasure with money going to the Red Cross, saying he “wouldn’t give the sweat off his brow to the Red Cross,” since he’d had “numerous run-ins with the organization,” referencing an incident involving someone from Washburn. “They don’t deserve our support,” he said.
Others asked why the amount for the Vet Cemetery was so low, to which Turner responded by noting that was all they’d asked for was enough to replace flags on the graves.
An unidentified woman commented on the funds set aside for Catholic Charities of Maine, noting “I think Catholic Charities is doing quite well, with all their advertising and fund-raisers. I think some of these could go down so others could be increased.”
Turner responded, saying several area residents benefit from Catholic Charities, not just outside communities.
The woman questioned the funds going to the humane society, noting “the animals get more than our elderly.” Turner said providing funds for the animal shelter was part of a state mandate to address the issue of homeless dogs.
When asked by a man what the community gets for its investment in NMDC, Turner advised that past dues hadn’t been paid but that it was advisable to pay this year’s dues, since an upcoming project to clean up the McCain site would require working with NMDC officials. “They’re the brownfield administrator now. We wanted to cover our bases,” said Turner.
It was suggested to separate the items for future voting purposes, with Brown explaining that that could be determined during budget meetings later in the year.
With discussion concluded, voters approved the expenditure of $14,462 to cover all items in Article 17.
On a lighter note, citizens voted in favor of Article 18, to spend $750 to pay someone to wind the town clock, which is located in the tower of the Baptist Church. The clock is of historical significance, since it was reportedly donated by A.R. Gould to the town, upon the completion of the railroad line to the community at the turn of the century.
The 2011 budget could undergo additional changes, according to Turner, based on what the county and school district come up with for their portion.
“The town meeting only determined the municipal portion. We’ll have to wait and see what the county and school come up with and go from there. Taxes held steady for the municipal portion but taxes could go up, depending on what the figures turned in by the school and county,” said Turner.
For more on the budget, call the Town Office at 455-8485.
