6210_NewGloucester_2017-2018_AnnualReport_Web

ANNUAL REPORT TOWN MANAGER – LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018

To the Citizens of the Town of New Gloucester, I am pleased to report that for the fourth year in a row we have been able to add to the undesignated fund. This is in due to the department heads’ diligent, conservative spending habits and collecting unanticipated revenue amounts above what was projected. As a town, we collected an additional $19,328 in building permit fees and an additional $185,145 in automobile excise. As of the end of the fiscal year, the balance in the Undesignated Fund is $3,916,413. I am pleased to report that the FEMA paperwork from the Halloween 2017 storm is complete. We have received the federal share of the reimbursement. Over the course of the next fiscal year, we will receive the balance. The cost of this event was $20,504. FEMA is going to reimburse the Town $18,454. These monies will also be deposited to the undesignated fund. During the 2018 fiscal year, we had one special town meeting. The new public works garage and sand/salt shed was approved at this October special town meeting. The bond proceeds for this project are in the bank and we are awaiting the beginning of construction. The fire department also had a capital project; a cistern that was to be located on Morse Road. Unfortunately, bid prices came in dramatically over budget. The $64,000 in funds raised and appropriated for this project has been returned to the water holes account. Looking forward to fiscal year 2019, we will be completing the engineering work on the Stevens Brook Dam/Culvert project. The culvert is failing and the fire pond needs to be dredged not only for fire protection, but also to also assure adequate oxygen levels for the stocked fish. This project is slated for town meeting approval in May 2019 for fiscal year 2021 construction. Finally, I would like to provide an update on marijuana. In 2017, the Town adopted an ordinance prohibiting adult use marijuana to preempt the law that was passed by referendum legalizing recreational marijuana. For those not following the law amendments, the legislature passed a requirement that towns must opt-in to have adult use within their jurisdiction. What does this mean for New Gloucester? We are still a dry town that prohibits the sale of recreational marijuana. As always, please do not hesitate to call or stop by with any questions or to say hi. The rocking chair is waiting for you.

Respectfully submitted,

Carrie Castonguay Town Manager

21