About 250 people at the town meeting Saturday approved an estimated $1.5 million budget.

One of the biggest issues at the town meeting was a petition to change the shoreland zoning ordinance to a 100-foot setback. Last year, residents voted to extend the setback to 150 feet. Residents rejected the new proposal for a lesser setback.

Selectman Patrick Ginnaty said the people spoke last year and reaffirmed their feelings this year by a vote of 119 to 78. Ginnaty said the issue generated a lively debate.

"Everyone had a chance to speak their peace and the voters spoke again. Voters still believe that a further setback is beneficial to the quality of life in Bremen," Ginnaty said. "Town meeting is democracy at its most basic. You've got to love it democracy in action. We give people a chance to air their grievances and they voted."

Residents also voted to keep the former Zahn property in the commercial fishing/maritime activities district rather than changing it to a commercial and residential zone.

Residents voted to raise $53,157 to operate the transfer station; $37,500 for the fire department; $9,800 for the fire/rescue first responders; and $26,896 for the first payment for their new fire truck.

Ginnaty said the town meeting was the mostly lively and best attended in recent memory.

"Everyone had an opinion on the setback issue. People feel very strongly about keeping the rural character and traditional working waterfront in this community," Ginnaty said.

Robert Miller was re-elected to the board of selectmen. Chester Fesmire was elected to the planning board. Parker Renelt and Judith Mohr were elected to the board of directors for School Union 74.