PHIPPSBURG

Lisa Wallace says she’s up to the challenge to continue her duties as tax collector and treasurer — and then some.

Wallace, who has worked to correct errors she made in her tax deductions, also is running for town clerk in the May 6 municipal elections. But she’s got plenty of company, facing opposition for all three jobs. Christine Wallace (no relation) is running against Lisa Wallace for tax collector and treasurer, while Ashley Thayer seeks the town clerk’s position, left vacant by Gloria Barnes.

Those aren’t only choices residents will have when they go to the polls at the town hall.

Incumbent Kimberly Albertson faces a challenge from Christopher Mixon for a seat on the Budget Committee. Gary Read is running unopposed for his spot on the Board of Selectmen.

Residents will have a chance to sort it all out on April 29, as the candidates will gather for a candidates’ night. The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Phippsburg Elementary School.

During a special town meeting in January, Lisa Wallace took responsibility for the errors she made in calculating her tax and retirement benefits, and from the paychecks of other employees. Voters authorized spending up to $40,000 from surplus to cover errors made in the processing of town payroll taxes. The town owed an estimated $39,577 in Federal Insurance Contributions Act and Medicare withholding taxes, plus interest and penalties.

Wallace is paying her share of the missing withholding plus 25 percent of the interest and penalties. She is having $128 a week deducted from her paycheck until the debt is paid.
In a statement made for the town report, Wallace said she appreciates the understanding of townspeople.

“FICA/Medicare withholding adjustments made to my personal payroll were out of compliance with required guidelines and since have been amended with the IRS,” she said. “I was not aware of the federal law change (which can change on an annual basis) that temporarily changed FICA/Medicare tax withholding, resulting in an underpayment by the town and again since have been amended by the IRS.

“Out of responsibility to myself and to you I have enrolled and since taken hours of courses to completely understand the payroll position of my job and Iook forward to continuing this effort to better serve you.”

Christine Wallace made no mention of her opponent in her statement. As a candidate for tax collector and treasurer, she brings 30 years’ experience in accounting, auditing and finance positions from accounts payable, accounts receivable clerk and bookkeeper to a corporate cash specialist.

“I feel that I have a lot to offer this town  and many of the qualifications needed to fulfill these positions successfully,” said Christina Wallace, who has lived in town for 26 years. “I am looking forward to meeting all of my fellow residents and working for you for the next three years.”

Thayer said she considers herself a “people person,” and would look forward to dealing with the residents a town clerk sees on a daily basis. She also has managed a maintenance crew at the Sebasco Harbor Resort Golf Course.

“I like to keep in contact with all of the townspeople,” said Thayer, who lives a short distance from the town hall.

Thayer has served on the town’s Budget Committee and Cable Committee.

Lisa Wallace, the current deputy town clerk, said she is enthused that the town can accept credit and debit cards. Also, there is now a drop-off box for after-hour payments, pickups and requests.

If voted in as town clerk, Wallace said, the town office would have expanded services to include full-time hours during all regular office hours.

Albertson has served on the Budget Committee for five years.

“My primary goal has been to do my best to make sure the facts and circumstances for each budget request are clear, consistent and essential for the town,” he said. “Also, as secretary for the Budget Committee, I have a challenging role that requires me to accurately reflect the relevant actions taken at each meeting. These minutes are available to all on the town’s website.”

Mixon, a firefighter in town for 10 years and a member of the Town Landing Committee, also owns the Meadowbrook Campground.

“As a seasonal business owner, I understand all too well the importance of budgeting and effect every decision plays in the success of that budget,” Mixon said. “I also performed as a budget analyst for the Department of the Navy until NAS Brunswick closed in 2011. This experience, coupled with my common sense and excellent problem-solving skill, would definitely make be of benefit to the Phippsburg Budget Committee.”