Selectmen's Meeting of May 5

Penobscot County's assessment (bill) to Eddington has increased $19,713.67 over last year (which was over $23,xxx.xx from the previous year). This increase is primarily due to the cost of county Corrections (jail operations) and the Governor's forced consolidation with the state's corrections. If you remember, the Governor's argument for the consolidation was that it would reduce overall costs and therefore "guarantee" no increase in county property taxes. (Where have we heard this before? Does that man ever actually check out these numbers or the system operations impacting costs before he makes these statements?) Is it any wonder that his word budget-wise as to "no tax increases" and "no increased property taxes" aren't worth the powder to blow....?

When asked for more details, the explanation was that the Governor's office (at the time of the mandated consolidation) had determined that the county jail could be run at a maximum of $6 million and therefore the state's funding would be frozen at that figure. BUT - the state didn't take into account the county was able to buy its food at a lower cost than what the state paid (example: the county paid $ .80 for a certain quantity of hamburger buns while the state was paying $1.20 for the same quantity), nor did the state take into account that the new court house downtown necessitated new (additional) transportation costs to get the prisoners from the jail to and from court (whereas before the court was right next to the jail), nor did it take into account the possibility of increased inmate/prisioner population (example: the jail is constructed with 136 beds but is currently housing 212 inmates/prisoners. This brings up all sorts of increased security issues which translate into costs.) HOWEVER, the state has maintained its fixed funding at $6 million so the county is left to raise the additional funding and that means you know who and how. It also seems the crime rate is going up in the county (probably associated to some degree with the current unemployment rate which is not unusual) and that means jail overcrowding may continue = increased cost over-runs.

The good news is the the County Sheriff's Department has received some highway grant monies which will enable our deputy to spend an additional 16-20 hours (a month? I didn't get the time frame) in Eddington specifically on traffic enforcement (speed, seatbelt and O.U.I. enphasis). Of course any revenue generated via fines goes to the state. No comment.

There was a School Board Report. You already have the information via previous blogs. One thing that did come up later in the evening's information is that there will be a hearing at 9am in Federal District Court - Thursday morning the 7th - in Bangor - re: the lawsuit. The judge has limited the hearing to only 30 minutes per side (probably a Summary of why the sides have submitted/oppose the Motion requesting the Summary Judgement - no arguments regarding the issues involved - the judge has read all of the arguments) and 10 minutes for Q&A (probably to provide Answers to any Questions the judge may have). Then the judge may render a decision on the Motion (which would, in essence throw out the Plaintiff's lawsuit if granted). Now the judge may decide the matter is not an issue for the court but a matter to be determined for the Superintendent of the State Department of Education, in which case (it would appear) that many of the things the former superintendent wants (lots of money and her job - or even more money in lieu of her job) may not be on the table. On the other hand, if somebody (the judge or the Supt. of DOE) decides the School Board did nothing more than their job, the Plaintiff gets nothing (and has caused a lot of personal damage to some individuals who are no longer on the Board as well as some who still are). At that point, certain individuals - or the Board - could file a counter suit against the former superintendent to try to recover damages (meaning money) to both SAD63 AND personally. So - tomorrow's court hearing could be very interesting. It certainly will be important.

The Selectmen and Town Manager rendered compliments to the new Animal Control Officer for responsiveness. A noted improvement has been observed by various parties.

There may be an Eddington town newsletter in the works. Karen Clark has been working up some ideas and potential costs for individuals who wouldn't be able to access the website that is also being developed by Gretchen and (possibly) PVCOG. (My impression is that Gretchen will be the primary developer and PVCOG won't be that much involved.) The newsletter would/could be posted on the website. The Board discussed the possibility of a quarterly newsletter. As a town newsletter, the Board will review and approve it before it is published.

Karen found a printer who could print 1000 for $143.12 and it could be bulk mailed for individuals who wanted a hard copy (or perhaps don't have website access). There was discussion of obtaining ads from local businesses/individuals to cover the cost of printing and mailing but that will have to be reviewed by the town's legal counsel. The town doesn't want any conflict of interest (good) of taking money from anyone/businesses that they might be doing business with at some point - or any appearance of any town position being influenced by an advertiser.

If these additional means of communication in Eddington increase resident attendance at Selectmen and School Board meetings, it would be good. If it increases voter turnout-it would be great!

Gretchen was confirmed as an Alternate to the Planning Board. She will be sworn in at next Tuesday's Planning Board meeting @ 6:30pm. Susan Shane said she'll provide sparkling cider to mark the event. The Shoreland Zoning Map that Gretchen and Craig Russell have developed using some high tech sources (see the comments in a previous blog for the name which I haven't retained - GIS? sorry) will be the topic of the workshop at that Planning Board meeting. Everyone is encouraged to attend, especially if you live or have an interest in the water areas in Eddington.

The motion was made and carried to initiate Condemnation of the building at 41 Monument Drive.

The Chair and Vice Chair for the next year were decided. No Changes. No surprises. No comment.

As a result of the increase in the County Assessment and the current proposed SAD63 budget, there is a possibility that the property tax mill rate may go up 1 mill. The Chairwoman stated that even at 10 mill Eddington would be at one of the lowest rates in the state. That sounds fine unless you happen to have a shoreline year-round residence (or even a camp) on Davis or Chemo Pond where you're charged $800. or $900. a foot as it is before we even talk about the value of your home or the amount of your lot! Where is the incentive of keeping anything other than a dump when you're taxed right off your property as it is?