CANTON — Selectmen on Thursday evening set the 2014-15 property tax rate at $22.75 per thousand of assessed value, an increase of $1.55.
It’s the same increase as in 2013-14, when the rate went up from $19.65 to $21.20.
The board lowered most building permits. The cost for new construction permits went from $50 to $25. Major construction in a flood plain went from $50 to $15 for the first part of the permit, and stayed at $25 for the second part. Minor construction in a flood plain went from $10 to $5 for the first part and from $20 to $10 for the second.
All other permits were lowered to their former prices.
The board opened bids for the Staples Hill Road project and accepted that of Bruce A. Manzer Inc. of Anson for $300,488.23. Pike Industries Inc. of Poland bid $319,697.
Selectmen appointed Larry Wright as sexton and Scotty Kilbreth as code enforcement officer. CEO Jack Plumley’s term was up.
Board Chairman Donald Hutchins said the board needed a road plan and asked Selectman Robert Walker to work with Bruce Manzer to evaluate road conditions and come up with a plan to prioritize the work.
Hutchins told the board and the audience that the road equipment had not been maintained over the last few years and now repairs were costly. He said the new road foreman, Paul McKenna, is doing a great job at getting the equipment in working order.
Hutchins said history is important to the town and the Historical Society building is in need of repair. He said younger people are needed to help the society members with repair the building to preserve the artifacts inside.
Betty York asked the town to consider taking over the cemeteries and the board agreed to put it on the next town meeting warrant. Meanwhile, the town clerk will talk with York to familiarize herself with the cemeteries.
Ernie Edmonds told selectmen he is concerned about his right of way to the old Village Ridge property, now that the town is selling lots.
Selectmen Macolm Ray said the easement needs to be put into the current deed. All agreed that Edmonds had been given the easement at the time.
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