LIVERMORE — Selectpersons on Tuesday night took no action on a funding request from Area Youth Sports for money to heat the former Livermore Falls High School.
The AYS board of directors had sent two letters to the town seeking help with the cost of heating the gym in the former high school.
Last year, 14,995 gallons of oil were used to heat the gym, lobby and downstairs, which includes the cafeteria, from November to March.
A total of 4,000 gallons were purchased from CN Brown for $8,373. Murray Oil provided the remaining 10,995 gallons for $23,558, for a total of $31,931. Both companies allowed payment plans.
AYS still owes CN Brown $4,373 and Murray $7,858, for a total of $12,231.
The AYS board requested a donation of $2,700 from Livermore, and $4,750 from both Livermore Falls and Jay to pay the bills.
Jay and Livermore voters’ approved warrants for AYS funding at their town meetings this year. Livermore Falls voters did not.
Livermore resident and AYS board member Isaac Bolduc said fundraisers this year have raised about $20,000. The board is looking into grants to upgrade the building’s heating system, which is quite old.
“Last winter was colder,” he said. “It took more oil than the first year we had the building. We didn’t know how much oil it would take. We’ve even talked about going to grant-writing classes.”
Selectperson Scott Richmond said AYS couldn’t continue this way because it’s not sustainable. He asked if the board had heard from the other towns.
Bolduc said other members were going to those meetings.
Selectperson Megan Dion said the board couldn’t vote on this because it hasn’t been approved by the town. This year’s budget has already been approved and the tax bills sent out.
Resident Dwight Hines said what AYS is doing is really important and worthwhile.
Asked about Recreation Committee funds, Administrative Assistant Amy Byron said mowing the ball field and rental of port-a-potties accounts for most of their budget.
“We’re all in support of this,” Selectperson Mark Chretien said. “There’s no money in the budget designated for it. If the request was made in February, we could have put it on the warrant for the annual town meeting.”
AYS President Dave Frye is head football coach at Spruce Mountain High School. Teams use the locker room, weight room and practice in the gym when it’s raining.
Bolduc said approaching the school for help has been brought up.
“We were hoping people would step up and use the building,” he said.
AYS is selling tickets for a November calendar raffle. Johnny Castonguay of Livermore has donated two cords of firewood, and gift certificates from Long Green Variety in Livermore and My Dad’s Place in Jay are other prizes.
The board agreed information about the raffle and tickets would be available at the Town Office. It was suggested a donation jar could be placed on the counter.
“We’ve done a lot of fundraisers,” Bolduc said. “It seems like it’s always the same people helping. I’m afraid that will get old quick.”
Richmond said letters for requests need to be submitted in time for consideration by the Budget Committee.
Byron said grants can be difficult for nonprofits because many provide reimbursement after the bills have been paid.
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