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In its long‑planned effort to move from a budget that follows the calendar year to one that follows the fiscal year used by schools and other government entities, Farmington is now firmly on track to make that switch as it prepares a six‑month transition budget to bridge the gap to the new cycle in July.
Earlier this month, the Select Board appointed Bill Crandall and Christina Bobrow to the Budget Committee, bringing it to full strength, and the committee has already begun its budget review. That work is expected to continue through February, and voters are scheduled to gather March 23 to decide final spending.
The six-month budget is now set at $5.9 million, which is 47 percent less than the 12-month 2025 budget, or not quite half.
In Norway this week, the Planning Board gave the former Advertiser Democrat building complex a brief reprieve from demolition after several people asked for time to study whether the historic structures could be salvaged.
The property's owners had planned to tear down the deteriorating wooden sections of the complex and replace them with new construction for housing and other uses. Preservation advocates, however, believe those sections are worth saving, and there was discussion that a buyer might step forward if preservation proves to be a viable option.
The Planning Board can still grant the owners’ request for demolition before the four‑month mark under the town’s ordinance if the board determines the complex is a public safety hazard, which means the evaluation of the buildings’ viability will have to move quickly.
Thank you to all who attended our coffee hour Wednesday in Farmington. It was a robust turnout for a cold day and a delightful visit with readers who have been enjoying Monitor Local's coverage. There was general agreement at the meeting that we should gather again, and we certainly will.
If you have local news ideas or simply want to chat, feel free to reach out. My email is listed just below.
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