Monhegan held its town meeting on the evening of April 22 at the Monhegan school with approximately 30 residents in attendance. Doug Boynton was elected moderator.
Those newly elected to positions in town government were Catherine Gill, Plantation Clerk and Collector of Taxes, Jenn Pye, Treasurer and Jessica Stevens, Road Commissioner.
After much discussion residents voted to triple the salaries of the First, Second and Third Assessors in order to reflect the considerable time and effort involved in these jobs. The assessors’ salaries are now $3,300, $2,850 and $2,400 respectively. It was then suggested that the three members of the school board deserved a raise, as they also dedicate a significant amount of time to their positions. Residents voted to increase the school board members’ salaries to $1,000 a year.
Following a discussion on the pros and cons of having a plantation (town) office, residents voted to accept an offer by Monhegan Island Sustainable Community Association (MISCA) of office space in the MISCA building. MISCA has offered the space for free, but the town will have to pay for any renovations it may wish to make. It was felt that having this space would benefit those serving in town government by offering them the option of not having to work out of their homes.
The 35 articles were easily covered in two hours and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.