MECHANIC FALLS — Town Manager Zakk Maher was instructed Monday evening to confirm the wording on a $724,311 bond before councilors approve it.
The Town Council wants the agreement to clearly state what it will cost to buy the the former Mechanic Falls Family Practice building in Depot Square, relocate of the Town Office, the Police Department and library there, and pay off the loan on the Town Office.
On Nov. 7, 2017, voters approved of purchasing the former medical building, financing renovations on it and moving town offices and the library from the former Mechanic Falls High School at 108 Lewiston St.
The question voters approved asked for a refinanced and expanded bond, adding $500,000 to the $224,500 loan on the Town Office.
Councilor Wayne Hackett said Monday night, “I want to see it on paper … the wording isn’t specific.”
Maher said the town has closed on the building but the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development will not approve the construction and financing until the note is signed by the town.
He said once approval from USDA is obtained, the town can move forward on the renovation and relocation, which is still scheduled to happen by Nov. 1. Maher said he has doubts that deadline will be met.
In other business, councilors approved the purchase of a new police cruiser for $29,080. Money will come from the Capital Improvement Program.
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