UPDATE: Tensions flared in Lubec as residents confronted local officials over the town’s looming share of an $8 million debt during a heated meeting on Wednesday evening. With the town’s portion amounting to $423,511.95, the Lubec Board of Selectmen is now poised to present voters with critical options to address this urgent financial crisis.
The meeting erupted into chaos as audience members voiced their frustrations, prompting Chairwoman Carol Dennison to bang her gavel in an attempt to restore order. The raucous crowd demanded accountability, as the county’s financial mismanagement has left towns scrambling to cover their obligations. “Are you calling us stupid?” Dennison retorted to an audience member who criticized the board’s remarks.
Washington County has requested municipalities, including Lubec, to consider prepaying their share of a tax anticipation note (TAN) in 2025. If approved, this prepayment would eliminate potential interest on future bonds, but it comes with significant penalties and risks. The county’s financial troubles stem from years of underbilling and drained reserves, leaving towns to shoulder the burden.
Selectman Mark Kelley highlighted the potential benefits of prepaying, noting that Lubec could still gain financially even after incurring a $8,000 penalty by cashing in a larger certificate of deposit. However, tensions rose as residents questioned the board’s handling of the situation, with calls for greater transparency and accountability echoing throughout the meeting.
The board is set to finalize two options for voters during a public hearing at 5 p.m. on December 17, 2025. The first option allows for prepayment of the 2025 taxes, while the second aims to cover the 2026 taxes. This decision comes amid fears of potential cuts to essential services, including the Sheriff’s Office, should the county’s budget crisis worsen.
In a notable moment of solidarity, attendees remembered John Rule, a beloved local reporter who passed away on Thanksgiving. Rule, who had covered Lubec for over a decade, was honored by the community he cherished.
As Lubec prepares for the upcoming vote, the implications of this decision resonate far beyond the town’s borders. The outcomes could set a precedent for other municipalities in Washington County grappling with similar financial woes. With emotions running high and stakes even higher, residents are urged to engage in the upcoming discussions.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
