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June 10th Elections
Tuesday, June 10th is the date to mark on your calendar to cast your vote on the FY 2004 MSAD #46 School Budget as well as a State Referendum Question seeking voter approval for a $60 million bond issue designed to stimulate economic growth. This is a great opportunity to be a part of democracy in action. Don't just talk about voting and the issues….get out and cast a ballot! Its quick and easy, and if you're not currently registered you can even register at the polls.
Where Do I Vote?
Election voting polls will be set up in the Town Council Chambers located in the Morrison Memorial Building on Main Street. Polls will be open from 9:00AM until 8:00PM. Sample ballots may be viewed at the Town Office. If you have questions concerning the June 10th election or voter registration please contact Shelley Watson, the Registrar of Voters, at 924-7351.
Voting by Absentee Ballot
In the event you'll be unable to get to the polls on election day, registered voters can vote via absentee ballot. In order to acquire an absentee ballot, the registered voter can visit the Town Office or request a ballot by phone or by mail. A third person can also pick up an absentee ballot for a registered voter, but only the voter can designate a 3rd person to deliver a ballot and it must
be done through a written request. There are a number of special requirements associated with voting via absentee ballot and those can be best explained by our Town Clerk/Registrar of Voters. If you have questions concerning absentee voting please call or stop by the Town Office.
Summer Paving Program
This summer the Town will be undertaking a major road paving project in central Dexter. We're planning to pave nearly eleven miles of Town roads and streets, as well as most of the municipal parking lots, and almost 1500 feet of sidewalks. This will require more than 11,000 tons of asphalt and hundreds of man-hours to complete. We apologize for any inconvenience the work may create, but the end result will be well worth the trouble. We're hopeful that the project will be complete by mid-summer.
Planning a Garage or Yard Sale?
If you're planning to hold a garage or yard sale this summer
please note that a municipal permit is required. Permits cost $5
per event and individuals are allowed to have three sales per season. Residents are also reminded that if signs are put up that direct customers to your location they must be removed after the sale.
Dial 9-1-1 for Emergency Service
If you require police, fire, or ambulance service to respond to an emergency you should Dial 9-1-1. The appropriate public safety agency will be dispatched through the Penobscot Regional Communication Center in Bangor. If you wish to contact the Dexter Police on non-emergency matters, you may call 924-7622 during normal operating hours.
2002 Annual Town Report
If you haven't picked up a 2002 Town Report they are still available in the Town Office. Stop by and pick up your copy while they're still a few remaining.
July 5th Fire Works
The Town of Dexter will once again sponsor a fireworks display as part of the July 4th holiday weekend celebration. This
year's fireworks will be held on Saturday night, July 5th.
Universal Solid Waste Disposal
State and Federal laws mandate that now we must manage potentially hazardous unwanted waste items differently than we have in the past. These potentially hazardous items are now known as Universal Wastes because they are hazardous wastes generated by all of us in our homes and places of work.
Special handling, storage, and disposal for items such as TVs, Computer Monitors, Florescent Bulbs, and devices containing Mercury have necessitated the implementation of a new user fee schedule which will impact both residents and businesses. A list of the new fee structure is available at the Town Office or the Transfer Station.
Illegal Roadside Dumping
Unfortunately there seems to be a disturbing trend of an increase in the amount of illegal dumping of trash, old appliances, tires and other items along roadsides. If you observe such activity or are aware of individuals who are responsible for the illegal dumping of trash and refuse please contact the Dexter Police Department or Town Office.
Town Campgrounds and Bath House
Due to problems we've encountered with the septic system that services the Campground Bath House, we have been forced to temporarily close both the municipal campground and bath house. However, portable toilets are available for use by recreation area users. As soon as the necessary maintenance has been completed the facility will be reopened.
Dexter Development Corporation
The Dexter Regional Development Corporation was created
with the primary objectives of promoting and assisting in furthering economic development in the area as well as providing oversight for a variety of unique and diversified economic and community development projects. The Corporation membership meets monthly and all meetings are open to the general public. Persons interested in being a part of this effort should contact Judy Craig (924-3067) or David Pearson (924-7351).
Restrictions on Swimming and Diving
Residents and visitors are reminded that it is illegal to dive from the bridge crossing the channel between Little and Big
Wassookeag Lake. Furthermore, no swimming is allowed around the boat launch in the public recreation area, or along the shoreline adjacent to Ronco Park. Violators will be subject to fine in accordance with the Dexter Code of Ordinances.
Welcome to New Businesses
We'd like to welcome four new businesses to Dexter. The Community Pharmacy recently opened in Bud's Shop-n-Save,
and is a full-service pharmacy. In June Joel Costonis will be opening a new restaurant on Main Street called The Hop. Also at a Main Street address Donald & Sarah Babcock will soon be opening Babcock's Gifts & Collectibles. For those of you who like Chinese take-out, The China Garden, will be opening soon in The Depot shopping center. We urge residents to support these new establishments as well as all the other Dexter businesses. It certainly will be nice to have some of the previously vacant store fronts occupied!
Words of Wisdom from the Tax Assessor
The legislature has made some changes to the Homestead Exemption program for the coming year. The $7,000 exemption is retained for a person's primary residence, but only if the value of the home is less than $125,000. For those homes that are valued between $125,000 and $250,000, the Homestead Exemption is reduced to $5,000, and for those homes with a value exceeding $250,000, the exemption is reduced to $2,000. Persons being affected by this change have already been notified by my office.
A survey of recent local real estate sales indicates that the market is relatively healthy and most properties are selling for above their assessed value. Because of the sales trends I am considering making small adjustments in the coming year to our building value schedules for the increased costs of construction, and to lake front values . However, the community continues to be affected by a loss in value from our industrial properties and personal property accounts. Unfortunately, the overall affect of the lost tax base has been a shift of the property tax burden onto the residential property owners. The need for tax reform and some kind of economic revival in our area grows in importance with each passing month.
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Concert In The Park
The Sebasticook Valley Community Band will hold a band concert at the Wayside Park next to the covered bridge on Tuesday, July 8th. The concert is scheduled to begin at about 7:00PM and is FREE to all! Come join us and enjoy a summer evening concert under the stars.
Want to Serve on a Town Board or Committee?
Municipal Boards and Committees perform a vital role in the conduct of Town government in Maine. The Town of Dexter relies heavily on these groups to develop plans and programs for the community. We currently have positions available on a number of boards and committees. Persons interested in being appointed to a board or committee should obtain an application at the Town Office. Remember, your participation anD input on issues can make a difference!
Attention Dog Owners
With the summer months approaching please don't forget to take care of you pet's needs for water and adequate shade. Your
pets rely on you for their welfare….please be their best friend and take care of their needs.
Give Your Business A Boost!
Did you know that the Town maintains a roster of local businesses and you can also post your business name and phone number on the Town's Web Site. We also offer use of the Town Council Chamber windows for month-long displays by small businesses, artists, or craftsmen. If you'd like to take advantage of these FREE services, contact the Town Office.
North Country Riding Club Summer Events
The North Country Riding Club is planning a full schedule
Of events for the summer season. The Club will hold their first show at the Ellms Field riding ring on Sunday, June 8th and will have additional shows on July 6th, August 3rd and September 14th. This group has really been active during the past couple of years and have quickly gained recognition throughout the region.
If you haven't been to one of the shows yet we encourage you to stop out at Ellms Field on one of the show dates….you may find that its just what you've been looking for! For more information about the North Country Riding Club and their summer events you can call Amie Smith at 924-7185 or visit the club's web site at www.DexterRidingClub.com
Dexter Ambulance Service
On July 1st a change will occur in the way the Dexter Ambulance Service operates; however, most people won't even be aware that a change has taken place. On July 1st the Town of Dexter and Mayo Regional Hospital will officially enter into a partnership in which Mayo will become responsible for providing the personnel and training to staff the Dexter Ambulance Service.
The Town of Dexter will retain a dedicated ambulance operation
while insuring quality ambulance coverage for the residents of Dexter. Most of the "faces" around the building will probably remain the same, just the uniforms will change. If you have any questions concerning this new arrangement you're invited to call the Town Office for information and details.
Town of Dexter Web Site
Check out the Town of Dexter Web site on the Internet at www.dextermaine.org. The site is a great source of information about the community, current events, and local business. Want to keep up to date on municipal affairs.....then this is “one stop shopping”, and it's “user friendly”!
Cemetery Sexton Asks For Your Help
There seems to be and increasing abundance plants and flower arrangements being left on some grave sites. This often complicates our efforts to do mowing and trimming around individual lots. Visitors to our cemeteries are reminded that our Town Ordinances restrict the number of plants or flower arrangements to a maximum of three (3) on each lot.
Dexter Municipal Golf Course
Did you know that Dexter has a beautiful nine hole municipal golf course? The course features, a snack bar, pro shop, driving range, and cart rental. Green fees and season
memberships are very reasonable. If you have questions concerning course operation or availability for special events you are encouraged to contact the Course Manager, Gary Rees, at 924-6477
We also currently have vacancies on the Golf Course Board of Directors. If you'd be interested in being appointed to the Board of Directors please contact the Dexter Town Manager at 924-7351.
Information From The Recreation Director
Our summer season programs will include Girls Softball,
Boys Baseball, Summer Basketball, a rafting trip, and Children's Summer Park Program. The Summer Park Program kicks off in June and is designed for children in grades K-3. For details about our recreation activities your invited to call Andy Conway at 924-7351.
Municipal Services Directory
Town Office 924-7351
- Town Manager: Bob Simpson
- Assessor: Dave Pearson
- Tax Collector: Marilyn Curtis
- Town Clerk: Shelley Watson
- Human Services: Linda Clukey
- Code Enforcement: Bill Murphy
- Recreation: Andy Conway
- Facilities Manager: David Leighton
Police Department Non-Emergency 924-7622
- Police Chief: Dave Clukey
Fire Department Non-Emergency 924-7301
Ambulance Non-Emergency 924-6212
Abbott Memorial Library 924-7292
- Librarian: Elizabeth Breault
Public Works Department 924-6257
Water District 924-7367
Superintendent of Schools 924-5262
- Superintendent: Lester Butler
Transfer Station 924-3650
Municipal Golf Course 924-6477
Animal Control Officer 924-7513
Have an Emergency?
Dial 9-1-1
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