Town Meeting
Town Meeting is the legislative body of Dixmont. Every registered voter has a voice and a vote on the town's budget, policies, and elected officials.
Town Meeting is Dixmont's form of direct democracy, and the oldest form of democratic government in the United States. Unlike cities that use a council or mayor system, Dixmont residents vote directly on the town budget, local policies, and elected positions.
Every registered voter in Dixmont has the right to attend, speak, and vote. Decisions are made by a majority of those present. Town Meeting is your opportunity to have a direct say in how your tax dollars are spent and how your community is governed.
The Town Meeting is typically held in mid-March each year at the Etna/Dixmont School.
The meeting follows a formal warrant — a legal document listing every item (called "articles") to be voted on. Here's what to expect:
Election of a Moderator
The first order of business is to elect a moderator who presides over the meeting and keeps the process orderly.
Election of Town Officials
Voters nominate and elect Selectpersons, Assessors, Planning Board members, School Board Directors, Cemetery Trustees, and other positions from the floor.
Administrative Articles
Voters approve routine authorizations such as tax collection, borrowing authority, and the Select Board's ability to accept grants or manage town property.
Budget Votes
The largest portion of the meeting. Each department budget is presented and voters decide how much to appropriate for General Government, Public Works, Fire Department, Public Safety, Recreation, and more.
Special Articles
One-time appropriations, policy changes, or discussion items. Any voter can speak for or against any article before the vote is called.
The following positions will be filled by nomination and vote from the floor at the 2026 Town Meeting:
| Position | Term | Current/Outgoing |
|---|---|---|
| Selectperson | 3 years | James Zimmerman (seat up for election) |
| Board of Overseers for the Poor (3 members) | 1 year | All seats |
| Board of Assessors (3 members) | 1 year | All seats |
| Planning Board (2 seats) | 5 years each | — |
| RSU #19 School Board Director | 3 years | — |
| Cemetery Trustee | 5 years | — |
| Toothaker Family Trust Trustee | 3 years | — |
Nominations are made from the floor at Town Meeting. Any registered voter can nominate a candidate or run for a position.
The 2026 warrant contains 46 articles including the town budget. Key items include:
To vote at Town Meeting, you must be:
- A registered voter in the Town of Dixmont
- At least 18 years of age
- A U.S. citizen
- A resident of Dixmont
If you are not yet registered, the Registrar of Voters will be available at 9:00 AM on March 21st at the Etna/Dixmont School — one hour before the meeting begins — to register new voters.