The Board of Selectmen, in order to reach their goal of a flat-funded budget, decreased the annual grant to the MLRCC to $5,000 in the proposed budget. They also decreased the amount given to a series of non-profit service organizations, though those amounts are only a small fraction of the MLRCC grant. The citizen budget committee recommended that the M LRCC be given the full $10,000.

At the June 4 town meeting, the board was questioned over its decision to cut funding to an organization seen as critical to the region's tourism economy. Board chair Bonnie DuBien said a flat-funded budget was the priority following last year's property revaluation, and funds had to be cut from somewhere. She also said selectmen feel Greenville carries too much of the burden on funding for the MLRCC. "We aren't sure that the other towns (in the region) are giving their fair share," she said.

Resident Chris Shields argued that Greenville gets the "lion's share" of the benefits produced by the MLRCC.

Bob Hamer, executive director of the MLRCC, said the organization could not afford to open the Visitor's Center without the town's contribution. With the $10,000, the Visitor's Center will be open six days a week in the peak summer months, he said.

When it was suggested by resident Mildred Kennedy that the MLRCC should consider giving Greenville businesses a break on membership because of the town's grant, Hamer said MLRCC memberships are reasonably priced. As evidence, he offered the 43 new members signed up in the last year. "I don't think we are turning away too many people," he said.

Resident Kyle Pellitier said the town should support tourism by supporting the MLRCC. Tourism, he said, is the town's "last shaky leg."

Similarly, an article appropriating funds to non-profit service organizations was increased by $350. In the motion that altered the article, it was suggested that the extra funds go to the Eastern Agency on Aging, given the needs of Greenville's elderly population.

In the town meeting format, voters are only allowed to alter the overall sum in each article. It is then up to the selectmen to decide how that money is distributed within the boundaries of that article. DuBien said the board would follow the expressed wishes of the voters in such a situation.

An article regarding the appointment of trustees to Shaw Public Library by the Board of Selectmen also spurred conversation.

Historically, the Shaw Board of Trustees has been an elected post, and the board has made final decisions on library policy and personnel. However, after the legal opinion put the library under the umbrella of town government, a change was sought. Because the trustees are overseen by the town manager and, ultimately, the Board of Selectmen, it was deemed inappropraite for them to be elected.

Concerns were voiced at the town meeting over the ability of selectmen to appoint trustees without citizen committee that advises on issues surrounding the airport. "I think it is important to have some community input," he said.

The change will take effect at the 2008-09 town meeting.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Tuesday, June 12, 2007 edition of the Moosehead Messenger and is used here with permission."