Selectmen approve town meeting warrant

RUMFORD — Selectmen on Thursday unanimously approved the annual town meeting warrant that includes a proposed $7,423,500 municipal budget and several ordinances.

Most of the decisions will be made through a referendum ballot that goes before voters from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 12 at the American Legion Hall.

On that ballot, voters will act on 12 money articles, 26 initiated articles, and eight ordinance amendments. Charter and ordinance proposals include:

* Regulating use and sale of fireworks.

* Regulating domestic animals.

* Allowing selectmen to enter into multiyear contracts and grants.

* Amending the hawkers and peddlers, and taxi cab license regulations.

* Changing the dates for filing nomination papers.

* Adopting a Property Assessed Clean Energy ordinance that would allow low-interest loans for energy-saving projects.

* Exempting active duty military personnel who are residents of Rumford from excise taxes.

* Authorizing a Charter Commission.

* Providing a nonbinding opinion on whether to extend Lincoln Avenue.

At the business meeting at 7 p.m. June 4 at Mountain Valley High School residents will act on salaries for many municipal officials, decide whether to join with neighboring Mexico for the purchase of a ladder truck and approve the annual municipal report.

This year's municipal budget is up from this year's $6,849,208.

Town Manager Carlo Puiia said the proposed budget is the result of higher fuel and insurance costs, and a board decision to include additional money in several capital reserve accounts.

In other matters Thursday, the board approved a slight increase in sewer rates, from $112 annually to $119. Bills with the new rates will be mailed in June.

The board also supported a plan by the Strathglass Park Preservation Society to erect a plank fence on the Hancock Street side of the residential park.