Rangeley hears annual funding requests from local nonprofits; library seeks $49,006.65

At a Rangeley budget committee meeting, a slate of local nonprofits presented their annual funding requests and described services they say benefit town residents.

Kelsey Miller, resource development manager for Community Concepts, requested $200 from the town and said the agency’s services used by residents include homebuyer education, housing counseling and home energy assistance. "We are requesting $200 this year from the town of Rangeley, which is aligned with our past requests," Miller said.

Barbara Burgess, speaking by Zoom for the Rangeley Library, asked the town for $49,006.65 toward a $215,500 operating budget. Burgess said municipal support accounts for roughly 40% of the library’s operating budget and explained the library’s two-part formula for municipal requests based on state valuation and population.

Jason Latham, conservation biologist with the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, asked for $14,000 to continue a courtesy boat inspection program at busy launches to prevent aquatic invasive species. "To date, there have been no aquatic invasive species introduced or detected," Latham said, noting that inspectors staff launches on busy weekends and holidays.

Smaller groups also presented: the Cross Country Ski Club requested $10,000 for trail maintenance and events; the Snowmobile Club asked for a $50 operating contribution to help with trail grooming; the chamber requested $50,000 for regional promotion and visitor‑center operations plus $12,000 for community events; and Rangeley Health and Wellness and other community providers outlined requests for program and coordinative support.

WRGY radio asked for $7,000 to sustain locally produced programming and training. Greg, speaking for WRGY, told the board the station has not received last year’s $7,000 appropriation and asked the selectmen to help resolve that shortfall. "We never received our $7,000 from last year," he said, adding the treasurer was working to locate the funds.

The requests will be considered as the committee continues its budget review; selectmen noted the town’s limited resources and asked follow-up questions about program scope and regional cost shares.