Rockland: Special Town Meeting Approves Fire Department Response Time Study, Budget Restorations

In Rockland, Special Town Meeting voters approved budget restorations and a fire department response time study.

The budget restorations total $890,000 for the FY 21 budget due to higher state aid numbers than expected. The line items are funded at amounts before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restorations had to be voted on before the tax rate was set in December. Article 2, which dealt with unpaid bills, was approved.

Article 3 included a $25,000 fire department response time study. Town Administrator Douglas Lapp says the department received a state 9-1-1 grant that will offset regional dispatch costs. The study will be funded from the dispatch budget.  

With development near the Exit 14 area of town, the study will help determine if a sub-station would be a feasible option.

The Rockland Special Town Meeting concluded in about 20 minutes.