Westport Island residents unanimously approved 44 warrant articles at the annual town meeting Saturday, June 24. Several were amended which resulted in voters approving $545,965.49 to be raised and $63,523.16 to be carried forward for the coming fiscal year.  

Using a hammer to signal the start of the meeting at the town hall, moderator Chris Cooper of Alna joked about his makeshift gavel, a hammer. “It’s the best we can do for a gavel but it’s a first-rate weapon,” he told the 50 residents.

The attendees moved efficiently through the articles in about two hours. Questions were asked about article #4 which sought approval of revised definitions in land use ordinances.  Ruth Nelson, chairman of the planning board, said the article was needed to create consistent definitions for terms used in various ordinances. The article was approved and the revised information will be posted at http://westportisland.us/

Funding for legal fees ($18,500) and contingencies ($10,000) prompted some discussion before they were passed.  When questioned about what the contingencies funded, Selectman George D. Richardson explained that it covered “overages in other areas so we don’t have to hold town meetings for the additional funds throughout the year.”

When the subject turned to the $120,700 to be transferred from the vehicle excise tax fund, residents expressed surprise there was so much in the fund, given that there are only around 700 year-round residents.  Said Cooper: “Keep buying those high-end new cars!”   

Article 29 asked for $100,000 to be raised to maintain roads and bridges and prompted a discussion about rain and the island’s culverts.  Jeff Tarbox said, “Precipitation is up 13 percent due to climate change.”

A series of articles concerned funding the fire department, which Town Clerk Gaye Wagner said is the only area fire department that is all volunteer.  Chief Bob Mooney and Deputy Chief Jason Abbott said there have been more than 80 calls in the past year. “We try to make the most of what we have and are always trying to grow the department in equipment and in training,” Abbott told the crowd.

In response to questions, the fire department officials said dry hydrants can dramatically affect the amount of water available at the scene of a fire. Residents with a “substantial” source of water were asked to consider offering it as a dry hydrant. The department provides the funding to install and maintain the dry hydrants. Residents gave the department a standing ovation as a tribute to its work throughout the year.

Article 45 authorized selectmen to dispose of tax-acquired property.  When questioned about the need, Richardson explained: “The town will have a property like this in the future.” He said the property will be advertised, and that the town always tries to make a payment agreement with the owners first.

Article 24 requested $2,000 for preservation of town records. Wagner said the town will celebrate its 190^th birthday in the coming year. “We have some of the oldest records in the U.S. and we have never appropriated money for preservation of town records,” she explained.  

In response to a question about the “support of the poor” in Article 36.  Richardson said the $2,000 is used for residents who may need housing, food, electricity, or fuel. Selectmen said the town also has a “helping hands” committee and some residents are generous in providing additional contributions to help their fellow residents.

Cooper’s statement that “This is the finest government that exists anywhere on earth,” drew applause.

Before the meeting adjourned residents were reminded there will be a barbecue on July 8 on the town hall green at 5 p.m. to benefit the fire department.