Once Boothbay residents have voted for five municipal offices  Monday, May 7, they will turn their attention to the 28-article town meeting warrant. This is the third year residents have settled municipal matters with a referendum election.

Voting runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the municipal building.

On April 25, Town Manager Dan Bryer explained all 28 articles to selectmen. The warrant includes $2,099,362 for fiscal year 2019 spending. The proposed budget represents a $75,984.15 or 3.76 percent increase. Bryer reported the biggest reason is a rise in hydrant rental fees from the Boothbay Region Water District.

In the proposed budget, selectmen placed the following funding requests: general government, $537,047.72; public safety, $464,246.50; public works, $756,471.30; capital improvement, $140,000; general assistance, $8,000; service, $141,397; and insurance, $52,200.

Selectmen also approved placing the following nonprofits’ requests on the warrant: Boothbay Region Ambulance Service, $208,734; Boothbay Region Cemetery District, $18,000; Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, $52,500; Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District, $431,614; Boothbay Region Community Television, $30,000; Boothbay Region Historical Society, $2,000; Boothbay Region District Nursing Association, $11,960; American Legion Post 36, $500; New Hope for Women; $915; and Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, $5,000.

One referendum question would restrict selectmen’s ability to sell non-tax-acquired real estate deemed excess and serving no municipal operation or purpose. The article sets conditions for disposing of property valued at more than $500. The proposal would require disposition conveyed through competitive bid.

Article 26 seeks voter authorization to amend the Industrial Park District to include 638 Wiscasset Road nearby. On Dec. 13,  Pharmers Market owner Jan Martin asked selectmen to include his request on the May town meeting warrant. The property is now in a C-2 zone. Martin told selectmen he wants the change because the Industrial Park District has more permitted uses.