Dresden residents questioned the scope, composition and advisability of forming an exploratory committee to look into the town’s contract with RSU 2 at the annual town meeting on Saturday, June 18 at the Pownalborough Hall.

“This will introduce divisiveness into the town,” said resident Carol Sanborn.

Budget committee member Jeff Pierce said that the committee would be the first step in looking into possible funding options for future contracts with the school district.

“It will be public. Everyone will have a say,” said Pierce.

Pierce said that if the committee found that the town could be served by leaving RSU 2, a second withdrawal committee would have to be formed.

Resident Dave Probert said that the school district has been reluctant in the past in sharing budget information.

“We requested a copy of the budget but we have never seen it,” said Probert.

“We don’t know how the money is spent here,” said resident Eleanor Everson.

Residents questioned the composition of the proposed five-member committee, suggesting that a single school board member would not sufficiently represent the interests of parents of children in RSU 2 schools.

“There should be more than one parent,” said resident Scott Silverman.

“We would hold a public hearing on appointments,” said  Selectman Dale Hinote.

The article passed 25-17.

Residents passed a $718,969 municipal budget with little debate. Voters approved a compromise between the budget review committee and selectmen on a $20,000 difference in highway account recommendations.

“We feel it would not impinge a great deal,” said budget review committee member Dave Probert in support of $302,974, the lower figure.

Hinote said selectmen are planning to initiate a number of road projects this summer.

Selectman Allan Moeller said that a $5,000 cut in the salt and sand budget would be possible. Voters approved $312,974 for the highway account.

The 50 residents in attendance handled the 52-article warrant in two hours.