Answers to Town Meeting Questions | Town of Friendship, Maine

What roads will be paved this year?

Our Road Commissioner, Stewart Harrington, is in the process of generating a plan for the road resurfacing. The final list of roads will be posted on the website. Until pricing is finalized there is no set list of roads to be re-paved. If you have any further questions please contact Stewart at 207-380-7857.

What is the State plan for repaving and budget?

The State DOT plan for 2026 can be found at the link below -

https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/documents/workplan/towns/Friendship.pdf

Health Clinic - What was the budget increase for?

Per Dr. Li - “Each year the cost of the flu vaccine increases. I am now mostly purchasing the senior version, which costs triple what the normal one costs. If I get more money than I need for the flu vaccines, I purchase other vaccines (like whooping cough, tetanus and pneumonia shots) to distribute to the attendees.” - James

Transfer Station Increase

As stated at the meeting, the possibility of the Town going back to having its own dump was investigated a number of years ago. The results of that investigation were that it would be far more expensive than to continue the status quo. If you would like more information or specifics, feel free to reach out to John Daigle, Transfer Station Manager at 207-832-7850.

Debt service in relation to wharf money

There was a question about the $54,661.08 debt service total in relation to the Wharf Replacement Project. This is not an additional sum being added to the project budget. This number is the year 2026 payment on the $150,000 loan. There will be three scheduled payments in ‘26,’27,’28.

Is there a place to find out more information about the Wharf project and Committees?

There will be a Wharf Replacement specific page on the website. Once there is clarity as to the possible paths forward and a rudimentary schedule, the page will go live. There will also be a calendar for important dates, all the Town’s various committee meetings, and with updates about any ongoing projects.

What is the Property Tax Levy Limit?

There was a question about Article 14 regarding the purpose of the Tax Levy Limit. We have confirmed with the State that it is a superfluous article. Essentially, because the Town can vote to exceed the limit set, the article serves no practical function. Special thanks to Liz Read for her quick research work!

“As of 2026, the specific Maine state law that provided a property tax levy limit for towns—Title 30-A, §5721-A—has been repealed.

Historically known as LD 1, this law was enacted in 2005 to cap the growth of local property tax levies based on a formula involving personal income growth and property value increases. However, following recent legislative changes, the limit is no longer in effect.”

What is the Undesignated Reserve? What is this funds current status?

The Undesignated Reserve is the accounting term for our General Fund or Operating Account. This is the fund that we use to pay the bills, including the abatements that Article 20 is referring to. After the first Warrant in March the fund has $1,188,448.

. Until taxes come in, typically late July early August, this is what the Town has to work with.

Do we own the cell tower? Do the lessees have contracts? Will the Waldoboro tower affect ours?

The Town owns the land that the tower is on, and yes, the three companies currently using the tower have multi year contracts with the town. As to the Waldoboro tower affecting our tower; we do not know of any adverse effects currently. For more information we recommend calling the State or inquiring about it with Waldoboro or the company building the tower there.