November 25, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Hermon to consider 13 charter changes

HERMON — Voters here on Nov. 2 will consider 13 amendments to the town charter, including two that would boost the annual pay of Town Council and school committee members from $750 to $1,000.

The pay has been the same for both positions since 1989, when townspeople voted to change the pay scale from a per-meeting basis to an annual rate, according to Town Clerk Carol Davis.

The proposed changes to the charter also include a limited line-item school budget — a relative rarity in municipal budgetary procedure. Under the proposal, the school budget, which is voted on at town meeting as a single figure, would be considered in four parts — debt service, reserves, capital improvements and all other school expenditures.

Also up for voter consideration next week are proposals that would change the process for recalling town officials. The town’s charter review committee considered the changes as the town was embroiled in a recent effort to recall three school committee members.

Under the proposed amendment, recalled officials — like all other candidates — would have to submit nomination papers to reclaim their seats. Currently, the recalled candidates do not need to return papers.

Also, a special election would be scheduled within 28 days of a recall instead of within 60 days. The town clerk would have 14 days to certify the signatures on the recall petition instead of seven days.

Any changes that are approved will go into effect on July 1. For the vote to be binding, at least 404 voters — 30 percent of the last gubernatorial election — must cast ballots, Davis said. This week, Davis stressed the importance of a good voter turnout next Tuesday.

“It’s akin to a constitution,” Davis said, referring to the role of the charter in town government. “It’s important stuff.”

Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the municipal building.


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