7538-R2_ML&P_TownOfBuxton_2019-2020_Web

The Town of Buxton Selectmen’s Report 2019/2020

As with most Maine communities Buxton saw the need to tighten its belt and be conscience of spending where possible. The financial challenges still exist and while we have not seen a lot of growth in our community this past year, we are confident that at some point, it will change. In September 2019, at a Special Town Meeting, the town voted against purchasing a new 2020 E-One Quint Ladder Fire Truck by five votes, so a new option was presented at the November 13 th Special Town meeting and the voters approved the purchase of a used 2001 E-One 75’ Quint Fire Truck. The town is proud to welcome new employees in 2019/2020 who are ready to take on the challenges of their positions. Police Chief Troy Cline welcomed Tammy Jo Girard as the new Court Officer/ Crime Analyst, Kaden Flynn as the part time Animal Control Officer replacing long time Animal Control Officer Adele Jones. He also welcomed Haley Maguire, Eric Marcotte and Olivia Wentworth as new Patrol Officers and Lindsey Joliat as the newest Dispatcher. Berry Memorial Library was excited to announce the hiring of Valerie Messana as their new librarian. Fire Rescue Chief Nathan Schools welcomed Career Captain Christopher Desjardins to his full-time roster. The town was honored to celebrate with Mia Dodge the 25th anniversary of the Buxton Toy Box. The Buxton Toy Box helps children and families every Christmas and this year was no exception. Due to Covid-19 some processes were a little different, but they were still able to provide gifts to 91 children and 39 families. As March of 2020 rolled through, COVID-19 hit the world with a vengeance. It was the largest pandemic since the 1918 Spanish flu. The Governor ordered everyone to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines. Schools and businesses where closed. Employees had to work from home. All Town of Buxton buildings were closed to the public. This included the Town Hall and the Transfer Station. Only essential workers were allowed to travel. Even the annual town meeting was rescheduled to July 14th and held at the Bar Mills Fire Dept in order to keep everyone six feet away and masked according to the CDC Guidelines. The town was also forced to cancel the annual parade but is hopeful to see it’s return in 2021. The Town of Buxton’s Fire Chief/EMS Director Nathan Schools guided the town through these unprecedented times. The Board of Selectmen would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to all the Town employees and volunteers. We were all presented with a challenge to meet COVID-19 Guidelines and keep the town running as normal as possible. We thank you for making this a great community to live in, you make this Town the best that it can be. We extend our thanks to all. Buxton Board of Selectmen

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