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Well-water testing available in Trenton
TRENTON
Trenton residents may have access to free well-water testing thanks to a grant from Defend Our Health.
The grassroots organization based in Portland works to “create a world where all people are thriving with equal access to safe food and drinking water, healthy homes and products that are toxic-free and climate-friendly,” according to its website.
The grant comes after well-water testing done at the Trenton Elementary School in 2017 found levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which belong to a group of man-made chemicals commonly called PFAS.
Deemed “forever chemicals,” the compounds do not break down easily and are found in nearly everything, from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam. The chemicals have been linked to several health issues, including cancer.
How Maine towns are run
TRENTON We are approaching town meeting season, when many municipalities statewide will gather for the annual event (sometimes spread over multiple meetings) to elect town officials, vote on ordinances, levy taxes and approve the yearly budget. In preparation, here’s a quick refresher on how local government operates.
The most commonly used form of government in the state is the town meeting/board of selectmen structure.
According to the Maine Municipal Association, a member-based, nonpartisan organization that provides professional services to municipalities, there are 209 Maine municipalities that operate this way.
In these towns, residents meet annually and act as the legislative arm of the government by passing ordinances, approving a budget, levying taxes and electing town officers, including selectmen.
Fiscal year 19-20 a strong one for Trenton
TRENTON The town is in a financially strong position after the 2019-20 fiscal year, according to an audit provided by James Wadman, CPA, of James W. Wadman Certified Public Accountants in Ellsworth.
Wadman shared his analysis at a Jan. 26 meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
According to the audit, the town’s total ending balance is about $1.9 million, with $784,135 of that in surplus funding.
That figure is about 18 percent of the town’s total expenses.
“Being in the 18 percent range is a real, real strong financial position,” Wadman explained.
He said that according to the Maine Municipal Association, the minimum recommended rate for municipalities is 10 to 12 percent.
Budget passed, middle school question voted on at Trenton Town Meeting
TRENTON The town held its annual meeting in late Dec. at the Trenton Fire Station and via Zoom, following an election of selectmen and School Committee members.
During the meeting, which was moderated by Selectman John Bennett, the town voted to approve its fiscal year 2021-22 municipal budget of $915,000. This is in addition to the $4,321,885 school budget that was approved by voters at a special town meeting in October.
The increase in the municipal budget is 2 percent, according to Board of Selectmen Chairman Fred Ehrlenbach. That does not include the county tax assessment, which increased to $153,330, according to Town Clerk Carol Walsh