ALBANY — This year, on perhaps the first day of mud season, the 60 or so interested voters of the town of Albany came to the Albany Town Hall as usual for enjoyable neighborly banter, laughter, and to make the important decisions regarding our town and how our tax dollars are spent.
Re-elected by voice vote without opposition also were Carl Chaffee, selectman: for a three-year term; Sue Richardson, lister: for a three-year term; Melissa Larabee, auditor: for a three-year term; Paul Martin, first constable: for a one-year term; Fred Kinsey, grand juror: for a one-year term; and even Steve Pitkin is again town agent for a one-year term.
The most passionate discussions of the day ensued with firefighters Chad Tolman and Jeanne Peters quite capably defending and explaining about department spending on phones (been corrected), bricks (zero interest), sweatshirts (presentable attire at functions) and fire trucks (old). Debbie Geoffroy reminded voters that it is all taxpayer money but needs better documentation and the “fire department is part of this town and therefore part of you.” Gary Mason noted that the total income listed does not agree and the total expenses do not agree. Moderator Cubit demanded, “No outbursts from the floor!”
Val Mason made a motion to amend the article to raise a tax of $23,000 for the fire department, with the following stipulations: 1) That the town treasurer hold the 2010 taxes received and pay fire department bills that are presented to the selectmen by the fire chief or department treasurer; 2) At year’s end the town auditors audit the financial records of the department for 2010. The amendment passed without opposition.
The town voted to use the bridge job funds ($28,000) for the over run cost on the building project and reimburse the general fund. The town will raise $85,000 to defray all other expenses not provided for, $170,000 for the maintenance of Class II and III roads, $10,000 for summer maintenance of Class 4 Roads, and $4,000 to finance recycling.
Voters passed over the article asking if voters in the town of Albany have the same input in regard to the proposed Lowell Wind Project as the voters in Lowell.
In the school meeting, Jennifer Mackenzie was elected school director to replace retiring Amy Morley who has held the job for 11 years. Colleen Goodrich commended her for the years of doing this important demanding job and the town applauded her work. Angela McAllister was elected for the remaining two years of a three-year term to succeed Julie Levine who resigned. Marybeth Whitten was re-elected unopposed to the Lake Region Union High School Board.
Voters authorized the school directors to withdraw $60,000 from the reserve fund to use to reduce the educational spending for next year. Voters passed the requested school budget of $1,610,824 with a unanimous voice vote.
