Blaine

The tax rate in this town of 820 people will remain at $18.50 per $1,000 in property valuation for municipal budget expenses, education and county taxes.

Delmar Clark, town manager, said the local budget was up about $4,500 for general increases in accounts, including an estimated hike in the cost of fuel.

Estimates also have been included for education and county tax, he said.

Clark also said Blaine was one of the few towns in his area that had an increase in population. It rose by 32 people in the last 10 years.

The annual town meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Civic Center. Nominations will be made from the floor to fill two three-year terms for selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor held by James Alexander and Stephen Stiles.

Voters also will elect someone to the three-year seat on SAD 42 board of directors held by Kathy Walsh.

Crystal

Taxpayers could see a 3 mill increase to support 2003 spending unless town officials gain voter approval to borrow money at the annual town meeting.

“Our financial condition is simply because the mill rate was not high enough in the past to meet expenses,” said Phyllis Chambers, selectman for the last 11 months. With the exception of Sharon Grant, who also became a selectman last year, none of the former town officials is in office.

“The surplus had been used up and we cannot continue until we have something to work with,” said Chambers. “We feel the best way we can get this taken care of and get back on the right track is to borrow money at the best possible interest [rate] and at the longest term available.”

Joanne Cimon, town manager for 31/2 weeks, said Friday that the tax rate could jump from $20 per $l,000 in property valuation to $23 without borrowed funds.

The general government account is up about $10,000 to include Cimon’s salary; $2,900 to the town of Patten for running the office in January and to lengthen office hours.

“We need to get some of the books in order and keep moving forward,” Cimon said Friday. “It will take some time but I believe it will benefit the town.” A total of 285 people live in Crystal.

The annual town meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, March 17 at the Wesleyan Church. Voter registration will begin a half-hour earlier.

Polls will be open 12:30-6 p.m. at the town office. Candidates running for office are unopposed. Two of the four open selectmen seats are without candidates.

Chambers is seeking a return to her position on the Board of Selectmen. Linda York is running for a one-year term on that board.

Incumbent Cindy Emery is seeking a three-year return to Southern Aroostook Community school board of directors.

Compiled by Gloria Flannery