Gilead budget down for town meeting

    Thanks in part to savings on a paving job last year, Gilead residents at the March 30 town meeting can look forward to an estimated $71,000 drop in municipal appropriations this year.
    Last year’s appropriation was also higher due to $30,000 expended on a town revaluation.
    If all of this year’s money articles are approved, the municipal figure would total $208,415, compared to last year’s $279,774. School expenses are not yet available and are not included.
    The only significant new expense would be $50,000 to pave the Bog Road. Of that, $18,377 is proposed to come from funds carried over from last year’s paving work on the North Road. Not all of the $80,000 appropriated for that job last year was used, according to Town Clerk Lin Chapman.
    Residents will be asked to raise $31,623 to go with the carryover to reach the $50,000 for the Bog Road.
    In another road-related account, selectmen recommend raising $10,000 toward the Public Ways and Bridges maintenance account. Last year enough money was available through carryover or revenue received.
    In town elections, Selectman Steve McLain is running again for a three-year term. On the School Committee, Ann Choquette’s three-year term is up and she is expected to run, said Chapman. In addition, there is a one-year term on the School Committee up for a vote as the result of a resignation.
    The March 30 meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall.