5 days ago
Bucking trends, Topsham approves a smaller budget for next year
May 29—Topsham residents approved all articles up for vote at the annual town meeting Wednesday night, including those outlining the municipal budget for the upcoming fiscal year and the new Climate Action Plan.
Voters backed a municipal budget totaling $14.13 million during the meeting at the Mt. Ararat High School Forum. The budget reflects a 2% decrease in municipal spending from the current fiscal year, which was kept low by cutting paving projects and contributions to reserve funds.
The municipal budget plus the county tax and Topsham's contribution to Maine School Administrative District 75 make up the total town budget. The SAD 75 budget, which totals $57.88 million with contributions from four towns, will go to referendum vote on June 10.
Within the proposed municipal budget, police is the highest-spending department at $2.55 million, followed by EMS and fire, public works, and capital programs. The town plans on funding a community paramedic position in the fire department this year, a post that has existed for two years but was previously funded by a grant.
The Climate Action Plan, developed by the town Energy Committee with input from residents, is an outline for town projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate change.
"Any project that looks promising will be presented to the Select Board for the intention of creating better preparedness, a healthier environment as well as monetary savings," Energy Committee Vice Chairperson Nick Whatley said during Wednesday's meeting.
The plan calls for Topsham to adopt state goals on climate change, including decreasing greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. It also proposes several actions that town government can adopt to reach these goals, from investing in sustainable transportation and renewable energy to updating town properties with climate-friendly heat pumps, appliances and lighting.
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