Board: Turner Selectmen
Met: Monday night
Selectman resigns
Issue: Jeffrey Timberlake, elected to the Maine House of Representatives in the fall, told selectmen that he’d like to leave his seat on the board early, resigning as of town meeting in April. He had a year left on his term.
The scoop: There’s now an extra seat to fill.
Up next: Starting Jan. 6, interested residents can take out nomination papers for a one-year term for selectmen, a three-year term for selectmen, a three-year term for school board director and three three-year terms on the Budget Committee. Papers are due back Feb. 15 with more than 25 and less than 100 voters’ signatures.
Potential permit changes
Issue: After comparing them with surrounding towns, selectmen opted to keep Turner’s building permit fees as-is, with one possible exception.
The scoop: Town Manager Eva Leavitt said there may be an ordinance change proposed that would double the permit fee if someone starts a project without a permit. It would also give the code enforcement officer the authority to issue a stop-work order until that fee is paid.
Up next: Public hearings on the potential changes will come soon.
Increased fees to Hartford?
Issue: Turner is one of several towns that provides fire and rescue services to Hartford, which doesn’t have its own forces.
The scoop: Hartford currently pays Turner Rescue $3,500 and Turner Fire $4,000. Selectmen were interested in proposing an increase.
Up next: In time for budget season, Leavitt is sending a letter to Hartford requesting $6,000 for rescue and $5,000 for fire next year.
Money talks
Issue: The Budget Committee kicks off its twice-weekly meetings at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the town office. It will meet Mondays and Wednesdays. The public’s welcome.
Staff writer Kathryn Skelton can be reached at 689-2844 or kskelton@sunjournal.com
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