Dexter council approves revised comprehensive plan
DEXTER – A fully updated comprehensive plan for the town of Dexter was approved by the town council during a May 14 meeting. The document provides a vision for the future and will aid in various state and federal grant applications.
“This was a year-long process, meeting with a very diverse group of Dexter residents,” Council Chair Marcia Delaware said. The group included people living in the community for many decades and newer arrivals.
An online survey helped identify areas of the community to be focused on for future growth while preserving the town’s character.
The new comprehensive plan covers every facet of the town, she said. These include roads, wildlife, farming, recreation and hopes for the future.
“This opens the door for Dexter for grants in the future,” Delaware said.
The state requested only a few small changes upon review, Town Manager Trampas King said.
Dexter worked with Eastern Maine Development Corp. on the document with payment coming from the economic development fund.
In 2012 the town adopted a comprehensive plan and the document was previously last revised in 2018 with an assessment and update of policies, goals and strategies.
The over 200-page comprehensive plan is available on the town website at https://www.dextermaine.org/.
In other business, the council signed the election warrant for the SAD 46 school budget referendum on Tuesday, June 9.
Earlier this month the SAD 46 School Board gave its approval to a proposed $16.9 million budget for 2026-27.
These directors, who serve the communities of Dexter, Exeter, Garland and Ripley,set the annual public budget meet for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 in the Alfond Gym at the Ridge View Community School. The total approved that evening will be moved to the June 9 referendum in the four district towns.
The municipal budget is in the process of being developed.
King thanked the council and department heads for their work in going over finances for 2026-27.
The council typically approves the budget at its July meeting.
Councilors voted to send a proposed recreational vehicle ordinance to the planning board for review. The council could potentially act upon the planning board recommendation.
“The key is to project the land,” King said.
The ordinance would regulate how long people can live in RVs and campers without proper sewer and water hookups. Other Maine communities have similar ordinances.
About 25 volunteers took part in the community clean-up day on May 3, King said.
He thanked Hannaford for providing trash bags and food for an event meal.
“They always support us well with this event,” the town manager said.