Budget civics lesson

When resident Jessica Warner heard budget cuts were made in regards to Rec Department training and salary requests denied, she decided to find out for herself how the process works by asking questions of those making the initial budget decisions — the Bridgton Select Board.

During the meeting’s public participation segment, Warner questioned whether budget sessions were open to the public, and what criteria department heads need to meet to get requests approved.

“As someone who pays taxes here, I would like some transparency on why things are denied,” she said. “I’m trying to be more involved, especially as a younger person, so please educate me where I need it.”

Select Board Chairman Bob McHatton gave a quick snapshot of the budget process — department heads create their budgets, those budgets go to the town manager, the town manager reviews the requests with the department heads, the manager then reports to the Select Board and identifies whether the requests are recommended or cut.

On March 3-4, the Select Board held budget sessions and reviewed each line, reviewed the manager’s position, and heard from department heads. The Select Board will make final decisions at their next meeting. The warrant articles ultimately will be voted on by citizens at the June town meeting.

Selectman Paul Tworog pointed out the budget sessions were videotaped and can be reviewed on LRTV, and there is a public copy of the budget book available for review at the town office.

“You can look through the paper copy of every single request from every single department, and every single recommendation by the town manager,” Tworog noted. “You can look now at what the initial review from the Select Board produced.”

The News has the first part of a series of articles reviewing those budget sessions in this week’s edition.

5 PM doesn’t work for younger generation

If the Bridgton Select Board would like to see greater meeting attendance, especially by the younger generation, officials might want to consider changing their meeting time.

“The 5 o’clock start time is extremely difficult for us that work 9 to 5 jobs. I am a younger person here trying to get involved in my community. I work a 9 to 5 job. I’m extremely lucky that I work remote and I have the flexibility to be here. I love that we have this (the meeting) on Zoom. I love that it is recorded, but if we have learned nothing from Covid, it is that people being together in person is important,” Warner said. “I think if we want more people here in person, especially younger people, working people, the time needs to be more accommodating.”

While Warner understands public participation has been lacking in the past, it might be time to at least discuss possible changes if more people show an interest to become more involved.

Selectman Paul Tworog explained one reason 5 p.m. has been used is because department heads are often asked to be present to provide information to the Select Board. They may also be part of other meetings during the week. Starting meetings at 7 p.m. results in very long days for salaried town workers.

“There is no perfect solution,” he said.

Warner questioned that even if a worker is salaried, some flexibility in their daily schedule should be used if they are expected to be at an after-work meeting.

Concerns raised about office environment

Resident Ann Morrell has been watching Select Board meetings for the past year (she works an hour 20 minutes away from home so attending a 5 p.m. meeting is difficult), and is quite concerned as to the direction the town office appears to be traveling.

“I found you guys (the Select Board) to be mindful when asking questions, and diligent in bringing different opinions. I respect that. I respect what you guys are doing, your service,” Morrell said during public participation. “I’ve seen some things that raised my eyebrows a little bit. I just want to put those out in a public forum. I don’t expect you to comment.”

One eyebrow-raising moment was the resignation of Community Development Director Nicole McKeith, “a dynamic, talented employee by all accounts,” Morrell said. “She resigned stating value of toxicity over teamwork and lack of support. Most of you appeared surprised. I think everyone was surprised…That was the third loss of a valued, competent employee. That interaction got my attention.”

Morrell highlighted several town office happenings and questioned the legality of some actions of town staff.

“The Select Board holds all the power in town, and with that power comes great responsibility. We trust that you’re asking the right questions and following protocol and making sound decisions for all departments, including the town office. I’m disappointed to see the town hemorrhaging qualified employees with initiative and fresh ideas in the name of fostering personal relationships,” Morrell added. “Who’s next? I’m willing to bet, based on what I’ve heard, more employees are thinking about leaving. I feel like something has to change. Our employees deserve better. They work for the town. It doesn’t have to be a happy office, but it shouldn’t be a hostile or contentious business. We must have a town government where taxpayers and employees can voice concerns safe from retaliation, hostility, or blatant disregard for policy and law. I want to thank the employees and committee members who do great work for Bridgeton every day. And those we have lost, I’m sorry it came to that. I think if we want to invite excellence, we must do better with that.”

With the town searching for a new town manager (second interviews are set to be held with leading candidates) and hiring a new Community Development Director once the manager is in place, a change needs to happen within the town office, Morrell said.

“If we’re bringing people into a culture that’s toxic and we can’t trust, that’s a problem,” she concluded. “I think looking at it, put it on the table, sort it out and move forward is a fair expectation.”

Prior to adjourning the meeting, Chairman Bob McHatton addressed the concerns and comments Morrell raised.

“As chairman of the board, I would like to say that the board is in a very difficult position to explain our position due to the laws that handicap us. I am very sorry that the board cannot comment back to you as far as the comments you made to us,” McHatton said. “Being on the board for 33 years, I will tell you that I’m a straight shooter. I look you in the eye and I tell you the way it is, whether you like it or not. So, I ask that as you leave tonight, you understand that we are just not able to have a conversation with you. And the last thing I will say is that everything has two sides to a story.”

Selectman Paul Tworog also chimed in, “We defer to what Bob said, even though factually incorrect statements were made based on, I’m not sure what information, we cannot comment on it.”

Memorial School Give Back

With SAD 61 Superintendent Al Smith in the audience Tuesday night, Kevin Raday figured it was a good time to find out where the Memorial School give back to Bridgton stands.

“We did have a little bit of a setback as you had some transition in administration,” Superintendent Smith said. “Some information that we had provided needed to be regenerated. I think we’re in a good place. I’m just waiting for your attorney to provide us with the documentation for us to review.”

The superintendent is “hopeful” that the Memorial School property can be turned over to the Town of Bridgton by June or July, the latest. “That would be my hope,” Smith added.

Selectman Paul Tworog asked if documents are set to be signed, and noted there’s been a degree of “frustration in the community” that it has taken so long to close the deal.

“We have this agreement in principle, but we never get it signed,” he said.

Smith answered, “Our board is ready to absolutely turn the building over.”

When asked if all items will be removed from the former school building when the exchange is made, Smith said some materials have already been moved. Others will head to the dump, or stored elsewhere.

Smith noted that the new storage facility at the high school campus is nearly completed. Shelving is in place, leaving the front side of the structure to be finished. Since it has the ability to be heated, the district will look to create office space there, ultimately replacing an “very old” portable unit.”

“It’s really out lived itself,” he said. “I’m very grateful to (SAD 61 is ready to turn over the Memorial School to Bridgton) because I’ve been here 12 years and it’s pretty much been an issue since I walked through the door.”

Targets for CDBG dollars

Community Development Block Grant dollars will again be used to fund the Navigator program at the Bridgton Community Center, as well as assist Bridgton’s Food Pantry.

CDAC Chairman Kevin Raday said his group scored applications by the two groups, with the Navigator (an individual who assists local residents to find needed services) landing its requested $17,680. The Pantry will receive the remaining CDBG public service funds, which typically range from $28 to $30,000.

“They’re just about getting their full ask, which is nice to be able to do,” Raday said. “There’s a big demand out in the community.”

On the infrastructure side, the town typically receives $125,000 in CDBG dollars. In past years, the town used this funding on sidewalk repair/development. This year, the funds will go toward purchasing and installing a handicap-accessible playground at the Ham Complex.

The Select Board approved the recommendations 5-0.