LIMESTONE, Maine — The Limestone Selectpeople met on Wednesday Feb. 19, for their regular meeting, which saw the first draft of the 2014-15 municipal budget introduced to the board.
The meeting began with business that originated at the last meeting involving the possibility of a cost-sharing venture between the town and the Water and Sewer District in regard to the summer maintenance position. This, however, had to be tabled for a later date, due to the inability of a representative from the water company to attend.
Town Manager Donna Bernier began budget discussions by informing board members that she had recently spoken to the Maine Municipal Association (MMA) about a recent revenue sharing bill that cleared through the Maine House and Senate the previous week. The Democrat-backed bill looks to prevent $40 million in cuts in state aid to cities and towns. Despite Republican lawmakers’ growing sentiment that the bill is fiscally irresponsible and being pushed through too fast, Bernier claimed Maine’s Gov. LePage only has three options:
“He can sign the bill and in 90 days it would become law, or he could veto the bill, which would send it back to the House and the Senate, but with the overwhelming number of original votes we really don’t see that happening.”
Bernier continued to explain Gov. LePage also had the option of doing nothing, and after the tenth day, excluding Sundays, the bill would become law. This process would begin after Feb. 25, however, it seems an unlikely option, as the Republican governor’s office has already announced that a veto is likely.
Despite the lack of confidence by Republicans in the House and Senate, Bernier’s optimism that the bill will be signed doesn’t seem to be misplaced. The overwhelming vote she spoke of was a 120-7 outcome that, if nothing else, gives the bill a firm backing from lawmakers.
“We’re still kind of in limbo when it comes to the revenue sharing bill, but at least it gives us some sort of idea where we stand,” Bernier added.
Bernier also reported that she spoke with RSU 39 Superintendent Frank McElwain earlier that day in regard to the upcoming budget. She was not expecting to receive any actual figures, but simply wanted to get a feel for what the administrator expects for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1. Bernier informed the board that all Supt. McElwain was able to tell was that it’s likely revenue figures will be down and that he is positive expense figures will be up. Despite the news, Bernier was assured that as soon as any news breaks she will be made aware.
During other business, Limestone Fire Chief, Jon Poitras attended Wednesday’s meeting to propose the purchase of a used fire truck that is soon being sold at auction. Poitras began his presentation by explaining to the board that one of his main goals since becoming chief of the fire dept. is to purchase a ladder truck.
“It’s been over two years since we’ve had a ladder truck, and when we did have one, it proved to be a very valuable asset,” said Poitras.
The ladder truck in question is a 1990 Pierce, Poitras explained. It was previously used in Brunwick and has 28,000 miles and a total of 7,000 hours on it. He also noted that he had received some added information on the truck and it had recently undergone maintenance in 2009, including the replacement of the pump, which Poitras describes as “a huge part of the truck and an expense of nearly $20,000.”
Poitras informed the board that if purchased, he did anticipate the truck needing six new tires. Despite that fact, Poitras sees the truck as a perfect fit for Limestone.
“It has a 65-foot ladder, which is small, but I think with all the narrow streets in the area, it will suit our needs well,” said Poitras. “In the research I’ve done, I’ve noticed a lot of rural fire depts. are using similar ladder trucks, as opposed to the larger aerial trucks.”
The bidding for the truck will begin on March 11, and Poitras was approaching the board in hopes of receiving authorization and funding to place an offer, on behalf of the town.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Gary O’Neal. “We’ve been looking to add a new truck to the fire dept. and this sounds like a good fit.”
With the full support of the board, O’Neal made a motion to allow the Chief Poitras to place a bid on the truck. He has appropriated $15,000 to use, at his discretion. The 1990 Pierce ladder truck can be viewed at www.govliquidation.com.
