June 14, 2012
Maine

Clinton voters approve wind ordinance at Town Meeting

Published as "Clinton voters reject increased road spending at Town Meeting" | www.onlinesentinel.com 13 June 2012

CLINTON – Voters narrowly rejected a proposal to raise annual funding for road construction by $135,000.

Residents considered 41 articles in all during a referendum-style Town Meeting on Tuesday. All passed except the tax increase for roads and two articles that would have allowed drinking establishments in the town.

In total, voters approved nearly $2 million in spending, an increase of about $65,000 from last year. The new property tax rate will increase 41 cents to $14.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which represents a $41 increase for the owner of a $100,000 home currently paying $1,454 in property taxes.

Voters were asked to fund road maintenance at previous levels. In 2008, the annual road fund had been cut from $200,000 to $65,000. Voters on Tuesday rejected, 321-277, the selectmen’s recommendation to restore the fund this year, which would have allowed for maintenance on Horseback Road, and improvements Johnson Flat Road and Mutton Lane. The article would have raised the property tax rate by an additional $1.23 per $1,000 of assessed property value, according to Town Manager Aaron Chrostowsky.

Voters passed two articles to fund proposed upgrades to Old Mill Park – its park furniture, lighting, sidewalks and more. First, voters approved, 337-265, a plan to appropriate $75,000 from the tax increment financing district, covering the Formtek facility, to fund the project. Second, voters approved, 330-275, a $150,000 community development block grant for the park. Neither article changes the property tax rate.

Two open seats on the Board of Selectmen – a two-year term and a three-year term – were filled Tuesday.

Geraldine Dixon was a clear winner over two others for the two-year term. She won with 299 votes, while Mike Walton received 213 and Eva St. Jean 55.

Randy Clark won a decisive victory over Roger Barber, 358-195, for the three-year seat.

Voters approved, 330-263, an ordinance to allow town residents access to low-interest loans from Efficiency Maine. The loans are intended for home-improvements that increase energy efficiency, and have no tax impact on residents.

Voters also approved, 344-253, an ordinance to regulate any wind energy developments by setting limits on sound levels and property setbacks from abutting properties.

Voters also rejected two articles to allow drinking establishments in town. One proposal that would have allowed liquor to be served Mondays through Saturdays was rejected, 322-287. The other proposal that would have allowed the same establishments to serve on Sundays was rejected, 361-249.

The police department’s $198,044 budget was also approved, 332-276.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/14/clinton-voters-approve-wind-ordinance-at-town-meeting/