When Westport Island held its annual meeting on Saturday, June 23, all proposed warrant articles passed, some with amendments.  The total budget for the 45 articles considered was $982,807.52.

The Westport Volunteer Fire Department got some extra help on some articles that increased its budget for the coming year.

The department was seeking $56,000.  Chief Stacey Hutchison and Deputy Chief Jason Abbott showed residents some of the tools of their trade and explained the need for more funds. Included in the increase are $1,000 stipends for some of the volunteer firefighters.

“That’s not enough!” said Pat Smith, seated with more than 50 fellow residents. “You guys are helping us through the worst times of our lives,” she added. Ruth Nelson echoed the sentiment. “It’s about time we gave our first responders something.” The $56,000 was approved and an article that asked for $1,000 for EMT training for department members was changed to $2,000.

Article 30, which sought funding to appeal a legal decision on a Baker Road property, was taken out of sequence. William Dale, the town’s attorney in the court battle, spoke about appeal. Dale was able to do so after moderator Chris Cooper of Alna  asked the attendees to vote to permit a non-resident to speak.

Dale explained he was reducing his usual $25,000 fee and would charge the town $15,000 to appeal. “I think we have about a 75 percent chance to win,” he told residents.

In addition to the $15,000 in costs for the legal fees, the article also asked for $23,550 in potential legal fees for the opposing attorney. Dale explained there was “no provision under the law for them to get this.” The town approved both amounts.

Several new items were approved. Among these was a revised shellfish ordinance and moving the island’s Helping Hands non-profit food pantry to the Wright House. In addition,  voters approved $5,000 for the comprehensive planning committee to pay costs  associated with the plan’s development.

Voters gave their okay to the history committee to use funds from its account to establish a non-profit organization, “Friends of Westport Island History.”

Artist Bailey Bartlett asked for approval to paint murals on the foundation of the town’s new sand and salt shed.  Bartlett reassured those attending, costs would be covered by donations and she will not charge the town for her time.

In addition to the volunteer fire department, several local organizations received applause throughout the meeting, including the town hall, horticulture and helping hands committees. Gaye Wagner, who will leave as town clerk  in the near future, got a standing ovation for her hard work.