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ROME — Voters gathered on March 9 and 10 to determine the town’s operating budgets for the upcoming year. On referendum was the proposed paving and reconstruction of North Pond Road. This $315,000 construction proposal passed with 82 percent voter approval.
On Saturday, nearly 70 qualified voters gathered at the Community Center to debate the 60 remaining articles.
In less than three hours, those present debated proposed changes in town officer positions and the budget for fiscal year ending Dec. 31. A net municipal budget to be raised by taxation totaled nearly $593,000, representing an increase of approximately 3.7 percent over previous year.
Nearly 40 minutes of the meeting were dedicated to the proposed transition of town clerk, property tax collector and treasurer from elective positions with one-year terms to a positions appointed by the Board of Selectmen. First Selectman Richard LaBelle presented the board’s proposal enumerating the pros and cons of the transition, which was countered by tax collector and treasurer Tammy Lyons. There was little debate among residents after initial presentations were made and the proposals were soundly defeated.
The Recreation Committee organized refreshments for the public. Alan LaBelle donated a handcrafted table to be raffled; Fred Gagnon was the winner. All proceeds from the refreshments and raffle went to benefit Rome Town Clerk Abby DiPietro who had been recently hospitalized.
With a total of 91 votes cast, Town Meeting Election returned incumbents to their respective seats: LaBelle, First Selectman with 65 votes; Lois Stratton, second selectman with 69 votes; Malcolm Charles, third selectman with 64 votes; Abby DiPietro, town clerk with 86 votes; Carroll Bubar, road commissioner with 81 votes; Lyons, property tax collector and treasurer with 84 and 83 votes, respectively; and Andrew Cook, RSU 18 Board of Directors, with 81 votes.
PHOTO: Ballot clerks Kelly Archer (left) and Sandy Phillips (center) count written votes in Rome March 9, as resident Kathleen Ross (right) looks on in anticipation. (Richard Greenan photo)
