As Chairman Jack Brennan prepared to discuss the upcoming budget season on Dec. 10, he first wanted to comment on the current one which represented a major shock to Edgecomb taxpayers this fall. In May, voters approved a nearly $6 million combined municipal and school budget representing a 31.6% tax assessment increase.

During the meeting, Brennan recounted his thoughts when he saw how May's town meeting vote impacted his September tax bill. "I must say I was surprised when I saw the hefty increase," Brennan said. "I saw the numbers and was shocked, and more importantly dismayed. We are an advisory group with no real power, but I think we need to discuss what our role is."

Selectmen and other budget committee members echoed Brennan's sentiments. Budget Committee member Stein Eriksen acknowledged several residents told him about their displeasure with the combined school and municipal budget. "I've heard from a lot of people who tell me we (budget committee) did a poor job," he said.

Eriksen joined Brennan and other committee members Janet Blevins, Fran Mague and Joel McSwain for a discussion with selectmen about the upcoming budget season. Brennan reported Karen Potter may also join the committee.

This was the committee's first meeting, and Brennan unveiled the proposed schedule. The committee has 11 meetings culminating on Tuesday, March 18 with a final budget recommendation to selectmen.  

Brennan came prepared with a couple suggestions for an improved budget process. He proposed placing mandates for either a flat budget or one with a small increase. He recalled a prior selectboard did that several years ago in an attempt to rein in municipal and school spending."I really felt there was a lack of communication all around last year, so that's why I'm hoping selectmen will provide a mandate. This really should come from you," he said.

Selectmen agreed last year's budget process yielded unsatisfactory results. Selectman Lyn Norgang had a similar experience as Eriksen in dealing with taxpayers still smarting from the 36% property tax increase. "I heard the same thing. People tell me we did a real poor job," she said. 

Selectman George Chase is a former school board member. He encouraged budget committee members to take a more active role. "I think someone should monitor the school committee's actions by regularly attending their budget disucssions."

He also urged them to remember the school was part of an alternative organizational structure with four other towns. "Our (school) committee can't control what the AOS does. This is one of many things which impact our taxes that our school has no control over," he said.

Maxim wasn't sure how effective a spending mandate would be, so he was non-comittal, but the board is willing to listen to various options. "I think you heard us all say how concerned we are about the numbers. This isn't fun for anyone," Maxim said. "You hear about zero increase and not zero, but close to zero. I think zero is a really hard goal, but I think some serious rechanneling needs to occur."

The budget committee meets next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 with the Schmid Preserve trustees.