Officials to discuss budget and town meeting warrant

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    GREENVILLE — The Greenville Board of Selectmen meets Wednesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. with the town’s budget committee to go over the proposed municipal budget and will take up their regular agenda at 6:30 p.m.
    This year’s proposed budget of $1.36 million is $37,176 less than last year, according to Town Manager John Simko. While some department requests are higher, the town’s revenue is projected to increase by more than $231,669.

    Some of the reasons include $80,167 in landfill reimbursement costs from the state, a hike in the state snowmobile grant from $25,000 to $46,300 and an increase in tree growth tax and veterans’ exemption reimbursement from $16,400 to $39,000.
    Some revenues, including the $265,000 taken in last year in excise taxes, are projected to be flat.
    Overall expenditures in the draft budget are up by $194,493. Some are attributed to increases in energy costs, insurance and other expenses.
    Once selectmen approve the budget, it goes to the voters at the annual town meeting on Monday, June 2.
    On the regular agenda, three liquor licenses are up for consideration. The Greenville Inn is a routine renewal and there are two special event requests: A wine-tasting cruise hosted by the Moosehead Marine Museum as a fund-raiser on July 11, and a wedding reception on the Katahdin, catered by Jeff’s Catering and Bake Shop, on July 19.
    Code Enforcement Officer Jack Hart will also introduce some recommended changes to the town’s land use ordinance which he feels should be added to the annual town meeting warrant.