An open town meeting is now necessary for Wiscasset because the budget must be approved for the current fiscal year in order to avoid additional serious consequences.

There is simply not enough time to have another referendum vote that could end up again with an incomplete budget. Our current options are to attempt to borrow more money to continue operating, more than likely at higher interest rates; begin to shutdown departments to stretch out what money is available; or complete the budget as soon as possible and return to normal operations.

The least financial impact to Wiscasset is to complete the budget as soon as possible.

Due to the September 10 town vote, the assessor department has been closed since September 20. We now have to deal with setting a new tax due date, (October 25 is no longer possible), determining how to undertake the assessor's function with no staff, the assessor's severance pay and additional potential legal costs to complete the budget for this fiscal year.

It has been a number of years since Wiscasset has had an open town meeting. There are plenty of comments from those who have participated in open town meetings in the past. On the positive side, there are those who prefer the open town meeting because it gives them an opportunity to discuss the issues, ask questions, share their concerns, hear from their peers, develop an understanding and come to an informed decision before voting on the articles.

On the negative side, there are many who do not favor the open town meeting because there are significantly less voters participating than in a referendum vote and therefore do not represent the majority. They dislike having to vote by raising their hands, they feel intimidated because other people will know how they voted. And finally, they object to the Motion to Reconsider that allows the results to be changed later in the meeting.

We expect our legislative representatives to attend the legislative sessions, understand the issues and vote accordingly. In our form of government we, the voters, are the legislative body. Participation is the right and responsibility of every voter. We put ourselves in the decision making process. People will know how we vote, but we must have the courage to vote for what we believe is best for Wiscasset. With an open town meeting we must be present to vote. There are no absentee ballots. Attend the open town meeting, cast an informed vote and become a part of the solution.

Please attend the Wiscasset open town meeting on October 8 at 7 p.m. at the Wiscasset Middle School.

Wiscasset is shaped by the results of the choices and decisions we make. I believe Wiscasset has all the assets necessary to grow and prosper.

Reference: MMA Citizen’s Guide to Town Meeting