Wiscasset nixes public works as new sewer plant site, rejects school budget, decides selectboard, school committee races
Wiscasset Town Manager Dennis Simmons and wiscasset.gov said the school budget lost June 9 with 535 yes votes and 547 no's. This was the second year in a row voters rejected a school budget offer, setting off a do-over by the school committee.
Also June 9, voters rescinded the November 2024 nod of public works as the new wastewater treatment plant site and public works moving to the transfer station; and Cassaundra Rose, Heather Jones and incumbent Sarah Whitfield made selectboard and John Merry made school committee.
Simmons said all budget items passed, except the school budget. The loan for security upgrades at Wiscasset schools passed, Simmons said.
As a result of the rescind vote, the town will be need to pick a different site to move the sewer plant to, Simmons said.
Shannon Babcock, part of a group who petitioned for the rescind question to go to voters, said June 10, "We are all thrilled. We're excited to be able to be a part of the process moving forward. It sounds like it's going to go back to the drawing board, and I'm hoping that we can have different conversations that are in the best interest of public health, but also the financial needs of the town."
Whitfield, chair of the selectboard, said of the rescinding, "I expect it will be on the next agenda as we need to address a new site immediately so that we do not lose our current opportunities for funding."
For three two-year selectboard seats, Clifford Hendricks garnered 374 votes, former selectman Heather Jones, 508; incumbent William "Bill" Maloney, 484; Cassaundra Rose, 516; and incumbent Sarah Whitfield, 668.
The school committee race for one three-year term was between John Merry and Danielle Clarke. He got 558 votes to her 431.
Water District, Three (3) Year Term, Vote for Two (2)
James Crowley - 33
Evan Goodkowsky – 21
More results and coverage to follow.
