ALBANY — Poetry and laughter began the Albany Town Meeting as resident Jerry Johnson read his poem titled “The Taxman Cometh” dedicated to Francis Whitcomb, longtime lister (37 years), to about 80 citizens turned out on this sunny but very cold March morning. Another poet Jen Mackenzie noted, “It’s the hellos not the yes and no’s that we come for.” With the crack of the gavel moderator Marcellus Cubit led the way as a relaxed but talkative group took their time to wisely make the decisions that spend the town tax monies.
Voters re-elected Marcellus Cubit moderator, accepted the auditors’ report, and will have treasurer Debra Geoffrey collect taxes and delinquent taxes, as usual. The selectmen were re-elected as road commissioners; Chris Jacobs was re-elected selectman unopposed as was Paul Martin, first constable. Kathy Wilder replaced Lister Caroline Tremblay, who received a round of applause for 27 years service. Sue Zisselsberger replaced Gary Heath Mason as auditor unopposed. After 31 years of service lister Francis Whitcomb nominated Fred Kinsey who was elected unopposed. Steve Pitkin was re-elected town agent over his own protest.
After lengthy discussion and a paper ballot vote of 68 to 9 the town voted to raise $150,000, same as last year, for maintenance of class two and three town highways, $20,000 less than the selectmen asked for. Even though the road crew has done an excellent job this year, $166,000 was spent and the state has cut promised funds by $4,000. This year voters feel the need to cut back. Voters then did authorize the select board to add the bridge job funds of $28,000 to the 2009 road budget.
The town will raise $6,000 for summer maintenance of class four roads, same as last year, and will raise $10,000 for the purpose of blacktop or other improvements to class two roads. Steve Pitkin gently reminded the town that paved roads cost six times more than gravel, a lot of money goes to the petroleum industry from paving, gravel roads support local industry, and the only fatalities in our town have been on blacktop.
The Albany Fire Department came under scrutiny asking for a $23,000 tax, up just $500 from last year. An amendment to cut that to $12,000 failed (37 to 40) after volunteer firefighters Jeanne and Donald Peters explained their needs for gear and equipment. Noting how very important our firefighters are, the town will support the department with the requested tax. Chris Jacobs answered questions about the status of the new firehouse and town offices. He assured the town that the work was well within budget due to the low labor cost of the Corrections crew but due to frigid weather the work had slowed. He is hoping the firehouse will be ready by the end of summer. The fire station will be heated by oil and the town offices with gas, both with radiant heat.
The town will raise $5,000 for the maintenance of the town cemeteries and the Albany village cemetery, same as last year. An amendment was passed to give John Giles whatever funds were left after bills as bonus for his years of committed service in maintaining the cemeteries. The town will appropriate $150 for the observance of Memorial Day.
The town amended the request of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department $9,852, same as last year and again will raise a tax of $500 each to Glover, Barton and Irasburg ambulance services. The Albany Town Library will receive $4,000, an increase of $800. Albany voted $7,959 for all appropriations as requested.
After a good beef stew dinner at the Methodist Church the Albany School Meeting re-elected Marcellus Cubit moderator. Julie (Rivers) Levine was elected to replace Sue Brown who was given applause for her years of service. Six hundred dollars will again be given to each school director. The voters authorized school directors to withdraw $40,000 from the reserve fund to use as revenue in the general fund to reduce education spending for fiscal year 2010. This will leave $100,000 in the reserve fund.
After much discussion, and noting that Albany students tested in the top 10 percent in statewide writing assessment, Albany voters passed the school budget as requested for the amount of $1,725,219. Other business included a plea from Marybeth Whitten to voters to attend the high school board meetings and better represent Albany and also please volunteer more with Green-up Day. This is the first Saturday in May. Volunteers can call her for the green bags or pick up at the town office.
