OTISFIELD — At annual town meeting this Saturday voters will be asked to authorize Otisfield’s board of selectmen to go from three officials to five, starting with the start of the 2024-25 fiscal year, which starts July 1, 2024. The same three residents have served as selectmen for at least 15 years: Chair Hal Ferguson since 2006, Lenny Adler since 2008 (with at least 25 years in previous years) and Rick Micklon since 2008.

Ferguson told the Advertiser Democrat it is time to initiate some new blood into town government. Adding two seats, one for a three-year term through 2027 and the other for a two-year term through 2026, will provide a foundation to mentor new leaders into leadership roles.

Micklon’s term expires this month and he is seeking reelection. Ferguson’s current term expires next June and Adler’s runs until June of 2025.

The budget residents will vote on Saturday is $2,485,486, a $209,000 increase over the previous year. The eight percent hike is primarily due to rising costs for Otisfield’s general government operation (12% increase) and public works department (10% increase).

Utilities for the town office are expected to to go up by more than $27,000, primarily due to rising heating and electricity expenses. In the public works budget, the cost of road maintenance materials will be $75,000 more than in the current fiscal year.

Article 23 in the meeting warrant asks voters to authorize a transfer of $277,908 from the town’s general fund to a storm damage reserve account. Ferguson said most of the funds will be need to rebuild Hidden Lake Road and Ivory Hill Road, both of which suffered significant wash-out during the major spring storm.

Article 24 asks voters to accept a deeded right-of-way providing public access for non-motorized watercraft to Moose Pond and authorize an easement on town-owned property for the Lester F. Thomas Inter Vivos Trust. The Trust will be responsible to pay for survey work and the board of selectmen will be authorized to approve or reject the survey.

Otisfield’s annual town meeting will be held this Saturday, starting at 9 a.m., at the Otisfield Community Hall on State Route 121.