Shelley Gallagher

The committee discussed warden services for 2026, noting that the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is dedicating 10-20 hours weekly across five towns, utilizing drones for efficiency. The annual review submission was scheduled. Regarding spring conservation work, ideas for reseeding using 50,000 seed clams per plot were presented, with costs estimated at $100 per plot. Discussion centered on the conservation time buyout option ($20/hour for mandated hours) and potentially eliminating it to mandate commercial diggers assist with hands-on efforts like netting and reseeding. The committee agreed to purchase 10 nets (14'x14') and 50,000 seed clams (if not sterile) pending confirmation from the Downeast Institute. The annual review was postponed until the March meeting.

The Budget Committee meeting focused on reviewing funding requests from various non-profit organizations. Presentations were made by representatives from CLC Ambulance Service, Spectrum Generations, New Hope Midcoast, CLC YMCA, Bristol Area Library, CHIP, Inc., and Healthy Kids, detailing their organizational needs and answering committee inquiries. Recommendations were made by the committee for each organization present, with voting results recorded for CLC YMCA and Bristol Area Library due to abstentions.

The meeting included a presentation of the 2026 Bristol Fire & Rescue budget, which was noted to be 6.5% lower than the previous year, along with a request for amendments to the Fire Alarm Reimbursement ordinance. Discussions covered the purchase of additional sand and salt supplies due to contractor notification, and the approval of a quote for a 9.5' Fisher V-plow to be paid from the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve. The Board accepted the resignation of an alternate member of the Planning Board. The playground proposal for Beach Park required review by the Land & Water Conservation Fund program due to an obligation from a previous grant. A draft of the 2026 municipal budget was reviewed, noting a request from the Transfer Station for paving funds. Regular business included the review and signing of AP and payroll warrants.

The meeting covered new business concerning the School Board's presence, where a sentiment was expressed that the Budget Committee should avoid cross-examining the School Board members, emphasizing a need for civic engagement as peacemakers. Discussion focused on line items presented, with an agreement to label future passouts more clearly. The committee inquired about the status of the official audit, noting the 2023 audit was complete and the 2024 audit was in its early stages. Further discussion involved School Board enrollment trends, rising educational costs driven by demand for local control, and increased special needs costs attributed to "Covid Kids." Specific discussions also addressed the justification for two new Superintendent heads, the management of BCS reserves to mitigate risks, and the increased tenured salaries due to teacher retention.

The Select Board meeting addressed several operational and budgetary items. Key discussions included the proposed 2026 Parks Department budget, noting planned construction of a garage at Beach Park and restroom replacement at Lighthouse Park. The board addressed numerous complaints regarding snowplows hitting mailboxes and committed to contacting the snowplow contractor. A draft of the 2026 municipal budget was reviewed, detailing funding for the $350,000 revaluation contract, scheduled maintenance for roads and bridges, and adjustments to various reserve accounts. Additionally, the board reviewed building permits, approved reconciliations for multiple school and financial accounts, and signed AP and payroll warrants for several town departments.