Dover-Foxcroft to vote on $2.5M bond for Lincoln Street bridge
DOVER-FOXCROFT — When Dover-Foxcroft residents head to the polls Tuesday, June 9, they will vote on moving forward a bond not to exceed $2,500,000 to be used for repairs and improvements of the Lincoln Street bridge by the intersection with North Street.
Financing would be through the Maine Municipal Bond Bank. Over 20 years at a rate of 5.5%, the debt service would be just over $4.1 million with $1,628,000 in interest for the $2.5 million.
Many people don’t realize the end of Lincoln Street is actually a bridge with a culvert going underneath the span for a small brook emptying into the nearby Piscataquis River. The street is not in immediate danger of caving in, but this will happen eventually if steps are not taken.
FORTHCOMING BRIDGE WORK — The bridge spanning the small stream underneath the end of Lincoln Street in Dover-Foxcroft. A $4.1 million bond, made up of a $2.5 million principal and an estimated $1.6 million in interest, to fund a large portion of the project will be voted on at the June 9 referendum.
The town received $1.3 million in congressionally directed spending in the 2024 fiscal year for the replacement project. The money needs to be used by September 2027 or else it will disappear, so the project needs to be underway before then.
Built in 1960, the bridge spans just under 17 feet and consists of a reinforced concrete slab on stone abutments. It features two-way travel lanes, angled parking on the south side, parallel parking on the north side and partial sidewalks on both sides of the street with businesses located on each side.
Town officials are unsure what would happen if the question is voted down, but the town would possibly have to cover the entire cost.
In June 2024 the select board approved a preliminary design for rehabilitation from Wright Pierce Engineers.
During a late 2022 inspection by the Maine Department of Transportation, the bridge was rated to be in poor condition.
The bid would be awarded later in the spring and construction is scheduled to be complete by August of 2027.
Residents will also vote on nearly $10,340,000 for municipal operations. After applying about $5.6 million in revenues a net amount of $4,664,000 would need to be raised. This figure is up from 2025-26’s $4.4 million-plus.
The warrant includes questions on floodplain management and shoreland zoning ordinances from the state.
Another land use ordinance would allow the code enforcement officer to withhold permits from property owners in violation of town regulations until the issue is resolved.
The elections portion of the warrant includes choosing three select board candidates for three-year terms among candidates Judith A. Dow, Chair Stephen G. Grammont, Michael L. Ogden and Bil Weidner. Incumbent Ryan P. Buttice and Sean Hadley are candidates for a three-year term on the RSU 68 Board of Directors. Board Vice Chair Marc G. Poulin is the only name listed for a one-year position.
Residents of Dover-Foxcroft, Charleston, Monson and Sebec will vote on a near $15.3 million RSU 68 budget for 2026-27.