Howland to decide budget, elect leaders today

HOWLAND – Even after almost 12 years in office, Frank Kirsch still talks about “if” he gets re-elected.

“I am going into my 12th year if I get it,” Kirsch said Sunday. “When I started 12 years ago, I said ‘your problems are my problems’ and I still say that. That’s really what it’s all about.”

Kirsch and Joseph Dunn are the two selectmen seeking re-election during a town referendum vote today. Voters also will determine whether the town’s proposed municipal budget of about $564,000 will pass.

The selectmen are incumbents – Kirsch as board chairman – and seek three-year terms. Judith Coffin is running unopposed for her three-year seat on the SAD 31 board of directors.

Kirsch said he expects the budget will pass because it didn’t receive much opposition during meetings.

The budget offers an increase of just under $9,000, or about 1.5 percent compared to 2005. Property taxes increase about $18,000, or 5.6 percent compared to last year, but the tax rate won’t be determined until later this year.

A new Highway Department loader, a Fire Department truck and a new storage garage at the town wastewater plant are among the new items the town will buy this year if the budget gets approved.

The $65,000 new loader will be paid for almost entirely by excise tax money and a four-year loan, the warrant states. The $35,000 garage will come from payments Verizon made to the town to put up a new cellular telephone tower, Kirsch said, not taxes.

Kirsch said he hopes voters will pass a retirement savings plan town officials are offering their workers for the first time that matches dollar-for-dollar employee retirement contributions of up to $1,000.

The $1,000 per-employee retirement plan will help encourage workers to save for retirement while giving them another small incentive to stay with the town, he said.

The polls will be open at town hall from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents are encouraged to vote.