Dexter officials finalizing 2027 budget

DEXTER — Dexter town officials are working to finalize the 2026-27 municipal budget.

The spending plan is typically approved by the council at the July meeting, the first of the new fiscal year. The current year’s net budget totals a bit more than $5.2 million.

Town Manager Trampas King thanked everyone involved for their work on the 2026-27 finances during the June 11 council meeting. Councilors and department heads have been meeting twice a week to finalize the draft budget. 

In other business, the council accepted the donation of a 5-by 20-trailer for the Dexter Fire Department. The $15,600 trailer is being funded by the Plummer Memorial Foundation.

“They will have a place to store things instead of under the building,” King said.

The trailer will also be used for hauling equipment to calls.

“Thank you to the Plummer Memorial Foundation,” Council Chair Marcia Delaware said.

King thanked town staff for their work during primary elections. Employees worked the polls and compiled election results.

In Dexter, the only local referendum question was on the $16.9 million SAD 46 budget, which passed 420-196 in Dexter and 777-425 across the four district communities.

Several events are scheduled for the next two months in Dexter, King said.

These include the Heart of Maine Resource Center’s second annual Dexter Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the Dexter Public Beach, and that evening a 5:30 p.m. performance by organist Sarah Johnson at The First Universalist Church on Church Street. 

The Wayside Park Summer Concert Series features performances at 6 p.m. most Tuesdays.

Fireworks are scheduled for Friday, July 3. A parade and boat parade on Lake Wassookeag are set for Independence Day morning, July 4. 

The Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis Cruise-In is planned for Saturday, Aug. 1. A week later the annual Maine Red Hot Dog Festival returns on Saturday, Aug. 8.