Edgecomb budget, school committees disagree on meeting time
Two Edgecomb committees are at odds over a meeting time to discuss this year's budget proposals. The Edgecomb School Committee has proposed a Wednesday, Feb. 25 date with the budget committee at 5 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by a vote on their final proposal. In her letter to the budget committee, School Committee Chairman Heather Sinclair proposed both committees share their consensus budget at a later date with the selectboard.
But the Edgecomb Budget Committee disagrees. The budget committee wants an earlier meeting to go over the school's proposed first-draft budget and respond at a later time. The budget committee requested Monday, Feb. 23, but Chairman Jack Brennan reported Feb. 9, "We have not heard confirmation of that date."
On Feb. 3, Brennan told selectmen he's asked for financial information without success. He spoke for the entire membership in opposing the Feb. 25 date because it limits their feedback time to one hour. "I'm totally against that. It gives us no time in absorbing their budget. I'm proposing to meet before the 25th," Brennan said.
The budget committee is still waiting for several pieces of financial information from the school committee, according to Brennan. Selectman Michael Maxim said he would work with the school committee to work out a more acceptable meeting schedule.
Dating back 11 years, the budget committee hasn't really known how to handle Lincoln County TV requests. In most years, the committee recommended far less than LCTV requested, and in other years, nothing. Many residents don't have access to LCTV.
This year, LCTV requested $1,500 as they have introduced a media class into Edgecomb Eddy School. The budget committee discussed "pros" and "cons" of recommending a municipal contribution to LCTV, but did not make a decision.
The budget committee meets next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 with Road Commissioner Scott Griffin. The budget committee holds its final meeting at 5 p .m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 with the emergency management agency department and Fire Chief Roy Potter.

