Staff Writer
ASHLAND — Town officials have been hard at work this winter, reviewing figures and looking for ways to keep the community’s budget realistic, given the hard economic times Ashland and communities across the country are currently facing. “We cut the budget a bit this year. It’s down $53,000, largely because of loss of revenue,” said Town Manager Jim Gardner. “We set the budget this year at $1,303,698.”
Gardner said officials cut expenses as much as possible.
“The Council looked for ways to save money. It took some belt-tightening but we were able to come up with a budget that maintains necessary services. Our mill rate is 19.5 this year,” said Gardner.
Gardner indicated like many other Maine communities, Ashland will be “doing some reassessment” at some point in the near future, which will bring property values in line with state figures. Overall, he’s pleased with the 2009 budget, noting President Barack Obama’s stimulus package and its inclusion of funds for education may help Ashland’s school project.
“It’s looking good this year. With the report on the stimulus funds with education, it’s a good thing for us, with the new school being built,” said Gardner, noting he didn’t have all the details of where the stimulus money designated for Maine would be distributed but anticipated Ashland would benefit, to some degree, from the funds for education.
With the budget in place, the town is now preparing for its annual Town Meeting.
“The town report went out Monday. The annual Town Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m. at the middle school,” said Gardner.
Gardner said the warrants have been posted in three locations in town.
“The warrants are posted at the post office, Town Office and Ashland Food Mart,” he said.
Four people will be vying for two seats on the Town Council this year.
“We have four candidates for two three-year seats on the Council: Dave Milligan, the incumbent; Dana S. Cameron, Ron Rushinal and John Sutherland,” said Gardner.
For more information on the budget or the Town Meeting, call the Town Office at 435-2311.
