By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
SMYRNA — A group of 30 residents came out March 4 for Smyrna’s annual town meeting. All articles passed as presented.
During voting earlier in the day, 16 people voted to fill spots on the town’s Board of Selectmen. Incumbent Perry Lilley and Kevin Brannen were elected to the board.
“It was a very good town meeting and the selectmen and I were happy to see such a good group of people at town meeting,” Town Manager Candy Nevers said.
Last year the municipal appropriations for Smyrna were $192,635, while this year the municipal budget was set at $187,218. A year ago, Smyrna had other income of $125,515 to apply against the budget and this year they had $110,022. The revenue stems from excise tax, state revenue sharing, tree growth reimbursement, fees, interest income and lease income.
“Both Smyrna and Merrill were very cautious in the amounts of revenue to use against the budget,” Nevers said. “We are facing many unknowns at this time and until we know more of what the state is going to do in regards to state revenue sharing, homestead exemption program and aid to education both towns are going to be very conservative in fiscal matters.”
Nevers serves as town manager for both Smyrna and Merrill.
On the plus side, neither town has any debt, she said. Both towns also have roads that are in need of re-construction, but because of the economic uncertainty leaders do not want to incur any debt for the towns at this time.
Last year, Smyrna’s mill rate was 15 and if the school budget remained constant the mill rate would increase to 15.50, Nevers said. A one-point increase in Smyrna’s mill rate would raise $19,329 in actual tax dollars.
“If the Homestead Exemption is eliminated for homeowners under 65 years of age, then homeowners in Smyrna will see an increase of $150 in their tax bill in addition to any increase in the mill rate,” she said.
Smyrna pays 5.84 percent of the RSU 50 school budget. Therefore, whatever increase RSU 50 has in its budget, Smyrna will pay 5.84 percent of that. Nevers used the example of if an increase in RSU 50 budget is $100,000, Smyrna’s school budget assessment would increase by $5,840.
