In Roy Potter’s previous eight years as Edgecomb’s fire chief, all of his requested annual budgets have appeared before the voters. And 2016 will be no different. Edgecomb voters will decide whether to approve the fire department’s original $89,439 request during the May 21 town meeting.

The selectmen rejected the budget committee’s recommendation to trim the department’s budget by $13,930 during the April 11 board meeting. Prior to the meeting, the selectmen supported the budget committee’s attempt to reduce the fire department’s request.

The committee recommended trimming Potter’s proposal by funding only eight of the 15 sets of turnout gear requested. Potter didn’t know about the budget committee’s proposed reduction until the selectmen began finalizing the 2016 town meeting warrant.

Potter protested after hearing Selectman Jack Sarmanian read article eight’s wording requesting $75,509 for the fire department budget.

“That’s not the budget I proposed, and why wasn’t I notified about the change,” he said. “We really need to work on our communication. If you’re going to reduce my budget, then I’d think you’d at least want to bring me in and discuss it.”

Potter explained the turnout gear is required safety equipment. He negotiated purchasing 15 sets of protective jackets and bib pants at a discounted price.

Budget committee Chairman Nort Fowler defended reducing Potter’s proposal. He believed the fire department “has fared” well in current and past budgets. He explained taxpayers were already looking at an eight-percent increase and the committee was looking for areas to eliminate spending.

According to Fowler, the fire department’s request increased 24 percent over the current budget. He also said in the past seven years, the fire department’s budget has more than doubled.

“We thought purchasing eight sets of turnout gear this year and seven next year was a good faith effort,” Fowler said.

The selectmen decided to rewrite the article by inserting Potter’s original request into the question. The article will also include the budget committee’s $74,509 recommendation.

“Roy, I’m willing to give you the opportunity to make your case at town meeting. We should rewrite it and let the voters decide,” said Selectman Mike Smith.

The selectmen approved the budget committee’s recommendations for nearly all of the 54 proposed articles. The only article changed was the fire department budget.

The final proposed budget is $3,885,086 for Fiscal Year 17. The proposal would increase spending by $158,539 or four percent. The selectmen will finalize the warrant after receiving the school committee’s four articles.

The school committee proposed a $2,664,336 budget. According to the selectmen, the school budget is set. The town is waiting for AOS 98 Superintendent Eileen King to send the articles’ finalized language. The selectmen expect King to email the articles later this week.

In other action, the selectmen tabled a sewer bill abatement request. Sheepscot Harbour Village Association resident Kathleen Clark requested a partial abatement of her $512 January bill. Clark, of Ocean City, Maryland is a part-time SHVA resident. During January, she was in Maryland.

Her sewer bill averages around $28, according to her written request. Wiscasset Water District officials checked her water and sewer lines, but couldn’t determine the cause of the exorbitant bill. According to her request, she believes the high charge is due to unauthorized use.

Selectman Jessica Chubbuck sympathized with Clark, but wasn’t sure town resources should pay a portion of the oversized charge.

“I’m torn about what to do,” she said. “I feel bad her sewer charges are so high, but I’m not sure it’s the taxpayers’ responsibility.”

The board requested more information to see if the high sewer bill resulted from unauthorized property use. The selectmen voted unanimously to table the request.

The selectmen will meet next at 6 p.m., on Monday, April 25 in the municipal building.