RANGELEY — Responding to resident concerns about transparency, the Board of Selectmen agreed Monday to expand public financial reports and provide detailed breakdowns of municipal spending.
Town Manager Joe Roach outlined several ongoing municipal projects and recommendations during a three-hour meeting, where selectmen reviewed ways to give the public clearer insight into town finances.
During discussions on financial oversight, one board member suggested breaking down monthly revenue and expenditure reports by department, such as code enforcement, to make line items easier to understand.
The board also considered adding five years of historical financial data to future reports to strengthen long-term budgeting and forecasting.
Although board members acknowledged the change would create extra administrative work initially, they said the added detail would boost transparency and aid financial planning.
In other matters, Roach asked to hire a heavy equipment operator for the Highway Department.
He also reported that the town is seeking proposals for asbestos abatement and an environmental assessment at 50 Pleasant St. To keep the project moving, Roach asked selectmen to approve initial site work, such as clearing trees and improving access, while the town awaits the environmental results.
Rangeley’s road commissioner advised against installing speed humps on town roads because they interfere with winter plowing and maintenance. Instead, staff members are reviewing existing speed zones and traffic signs, and they asked the Ordinance Committee to review the town’s broader traffic and parking regulations.
Meanwhile, officials delayed the town’s Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application until next year. The application highlights regional efforts to secure a Dark Sky designation, which officials hope will boost astrotourism, attract off-season visitors, and strengthen Rangeley’s reputation as a wilderness destination.
Although no residents applied to join the Housing Study Committee, selectmen decided to move forward by hosting public workshops to evaluate local housing needs. The town is also seeking a $10,000 state Housing Opportunity Grant to help fund future ordinance updates.
As part of those efforts, selectmen reviewed an outline for a multimonth housing needs assessment that will shape proposed zoning and ordinance amendments for the June 2027 annual town meeting.
The study aims to determine required housing units for year-round residents and seasonal workers. It is also expected to establish affordable rental and homeownership price ranges based on local wages while aligning future housing policies with state zoning requirements and Rangeley’s Comprehensive Plan.
To gather local data, town officials plan to interview major employers — including Saddleback Mountain, the Rangeley IGA, the school department, M&H Construction and Rangeley Lakes Builders Supply — to collect wage information and analyze workforce housing needs, including those of municipal employees. Officials will use the data to compare local wages against housing costs and identify market gaps.
Additionally, officials scheduled two public meetings for August and September to gather resident input, discuss potential locations and housing types, identify development barriers and review preliminary recommendations before drafting ordinance updates.
Selectmen also discussed a proposed, privately funded T-hangar development at Stephen A. Bean Municipal Airport. The project has the support of the town’s Airport Commission and would require a ground lease with Rangeley.
Other discussion items included a review of inactive reserve accounts and proposed revisions to the town’s donation policy.
Board members also addressed reports that people are taking free items from the Rangeley Transfer Station’s Bargain Barn and reselling them elsewhere. Selectmen expressed concern that the practice prevents residents in genuine need from accessing donated goods, and they discussed ways to curb resale while preserving the Bargain Barn’s community purpose.
A planned auditor’s presentation and a review of personnel policies were postponed to the board’s Aug. 8 meeting.
