GEORGETOWN

With virtually no discussion, voters at Town Meeting amended the municipal shoreland zoning ordinance that relaxes standards in accordance with new state statutes.

Mary McDonald, assistant to the Board of Selectmen, said all 43 articles passed at Saturday’s meeting.

The shoreland zoning amendment removes land once mandated from that category.

The state has reversed a law that once required resource protection, which critics say devalues their property, paving the way for localities to pass less restrictive ordinances.

Georgetown landowners will have more options on establishing setbacks that would allow building in previously prohibited areas.

McDonald said Rick Freeman, chairman of the Planning Board, made a presentation on the ordinance change.

Article 46, which outlined regional service expenses including Patten Free Library in Bath, generated debate, McDonald said. In the end, voters approved $16,689 for the library.

“They discussed whether to fund all of the request, or just for the children, and let the adults take care of themselves,” McDonald said.

Residents also discussed spending $20,000 for new security measures at Georgetown Central School, McDonald said. A motion to eliminate that segment of a spending article was defeated, she said.

Residents voted in municipal elections June 4.

¦ GEORGETOWN LANDOWNERS will have more options on establishing setbacks that would allow building in previously prohibited areas.