Trash Pickup Update for This Week Due to the storm at the beginning of the week, the regular trash schedule was shifted. Trash pickup will take place on Saturday this week. Please plan accordingly and set your bins out in time. |
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RSU 5 Budget Process |
At the January 28, 2026 RSU5 Board meeting, the Superintendent's 2026-2027 Proposed Budget will be presented by Superintendent Gray. Budget documents will be posted on the RSU5 website as they are available at the following link: https://rsu5org.finalsite.com/budget/budget-2026-2027 All citizens are encouraged to participate in this process. Formal review starts on February 4, followed by a series of budget discussions over several meetings. (A full timeline is available on the RSU 5 website.) Public input is specifically scheduled for March 18, giving residents a chance to share thoughts and concerns before decisions are finalized. On March 25, the Board of Directors will vote to adopt the FY27 budget. Now is the time to stay informed and engaged. Meeting dates and agendas are listed on the town calendar, and community participation plays an important role in shaping decisions that affect both our schools and our shared resources. Whether you attend in person or follow along from home, your awareness and involvement help ensure the school budget reflects our community’s priorities. If you are unable to attend the Board meetings, you can watch the meetings at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC97VXXLhRFRjSPv1wfo1ACA |
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Volunteers Needed! |
The Board of Appeals needs an alternate committee member. Alternates serve to fill the roster when another committee member cannot attend a meeting. If you are invested in the future of Pownal and know (or would like to learn about) our town development processes, this position could be a good fit for you. If you are interested please submit a completed Volunteer Form to the Town Office. Board of Appeals Committee members serve a three year appointment and the Committee meets on an as-needed basis. Get involved and make a difference in your community! We’d love to have you join a committee. |
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Town Office Reminders |
Dog Registrations - began October 15th and the deadline for completion is December 31st. The State allows a 31-day registration grace period. If you register your dog after January 31st, you will be charged a $25 late fee. Please bring your dog’s (or dogs’) most recent rabies vaccination certificate from your veterinarian. You can still register your dogs online. The link can be found on the Town website under the heading Animal Control. Vehicle Registration -When registering your vehicle, remember to bring your mileage, last year's registration, and proof of insurance (required by state law). Insurance cards are accepted electronically, in person, or by fax at 688-4978. Property Tax Reminder - The next tax payment is due on March 15, 2026! We send just one bill per year, so please keep it safe. If you need a digital copy of your tax bill, you can find PDFs on the town website assessing page. Thank you for staying on top of your taxes! Homestead Exepmtion - Did you know you can lower your property taxes through a Homestead Exemption? To qualify, you must be a permanent resident of Maine, your Pownal home must be your permanent residence and you must have owned it for twelve months prior to applying. Applications are available at the Town Offices and online. The deadline for applying is April 1. |
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Every Corner Tells A Story - Help Us Capture It. |
Every corner of our community tells a story—and we’re inviting you to help share it. We’re collecting photographs that showcase what makes our town unique, from sweeping natural views and memorable local events to the everyday scenes that reflect life here. You don’t need professional equipment or years of experience to participate. If you’ve captured a moment that represents the heart of our hometown, we want to see it. Selected photos will be featured on the town website, with full credit given to the photographer. Join us in highlighting the moments, places, and people that make our community something special. Send your photos to info@pownalmaine.org Photo credit: Jaylene Gonyea, 20206 |
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Town Budget Process & Timeline |
Beginning January 28th the Select Board and Budget Committee will meet to hear department heads’ presentations for the FY27 budget. These meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to attend and ask questions. Be informed! There is a lengthy (and public!) process by which the town decides how much to spend and where to spend it. It begins with the town department heads developing budgets for the upcoming year and ends with the Annual Town Meeting in June. This is how it’s done every year. The following dates are the timeline for the entire process. All of these meetings are open to the public. Your voice is important and Pownal’s Annual Town meeting is well attended. However, in order for you to be well informed on budgetary needs and details and for your voice to have the most impact, it’s best if you show up early in the process. Click on the Budget Cycle Timeline button below to see the complete schedule. |
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Step Up for Democracy: Be an Election Worker! |
We are coming to the close of our current cycle of oathed Election Clerks and we are grateful for the work they have done. Most of them will continue in the role and take an oath of office for another two year term this May. A few are stepping down and need to be replaced. If you think you would like to become an Election Clerk, please fill out and turn in a Volunteer Form. Forms are available online and in the lobby of the Town Office. Another role that needs to be filled is that of Registrar of Voters. This person is responsible for same-day registrations on Voting Day. Being an election worker is highly rewarding work that gives people the opportunity to serve the community, meet their fellow townspeople and play a critical role in maintaining our democracy. WE WANT YOU! |
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Home Sand Delivery -- The Bucket Brigade |
The Pownal Bucket Brigade is swinging back into action. Bucket Brigade volunteers are dedicated to bringing sand to seniors and other residents that may have challenges getting to the sand shed. If you need sand delivered or are interested in helping friends and neighbors by delivering sand, please contact the Town office at 688-4611 or DeputyClerk@pownalmaine.org |
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Freeport Wood Bank & Emergency Wood Bin |
You are probably familiar with the Town of Pownal Free Sand Shed which is tucked behind the Town Hall past the employee parking area. It has a new neighbor. We are pleased to introduce the Town of Pownal Emergency Wood Bin. The purpose of this bin is to provide households with wood to keep warm in the event of an emergency. If your regularly scheduled wood delivery is late and you are out of wood, the wood bin is here for you. If you are short on funds and you are out of wood, the wood bin is here for you. The wood bin is meant as a stop gap and at any given time, more than one family will be in need so take what you need for a day or two and please leave some for others. We have Freeport Community Services to thank for this service. They implemented and run the Emergency Wood Bin. FCS also Collaborates with the Freeport Wood Bank which provides free firewood to families who heat their homes with wood but struggle to afford it. Click on the following link to see how you can help or be helped by the Freeport Wood Bank. Freeport Woodbank In addition to free wood, Freeport Community Services also offers heating assistance in the form of wood pellets, K-1 propane, and #2 heating oil. |
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Upcoming Meetings & Events February 3rd 6:30 pm Future Facilities Committee meeting 4th 7:00 pm Economic Development and Sustainability Committee meeting 9th 6:00 pm Select Board with Budget Committee meeting 12th 7:00 pm Board of Appeals meeting 14th 6:30 pm Open Mic Night 16th Town office CLOSED - Presidents Day 18th 6:00 pm Planning Board meeting 23rd 6:00 pm Select Board with Budget Committee meeting 24th 6:30 pm Conservation Commission Meeting 24th 6:00 pm Pownal Republican meeting (Stage Room) 25th 6:30 pm Capital Asset Plan Funding Committee |