MINOT — Selectmen on Monday took their first look at Town Administrator Arlan Saunders’ proposed 2014 municipal budget.
It stands at $1,560,000, compared to $1,580,000 approved for this year.
The spending plan contains requests for three capital improvement projects. The largest is to renovate and expand the Central Fire Station for an estimated $536,000, and a suggestion the town finance it over 10 years through annual payments in the $80,000 range.
The Fire Department is seeking to replace the forestry pickup at a cost of $35,000.
The Highway Department is asking replace the 1998 International plow truck. Saunders estimated the 1998 International needs repairs that total at least $15,000. He is recommending that selectmen consider purchasing a new plow truck, possibly a Peterbilt, which, with trade-in, would require financing for $175,000. Saunders estimated the four annual payments would cost $45,425 each.
Selectmen will make their recommendations at their next meeting and forward the proposed budget to the Budget Committee for review in early January.
In other business, selectmen met with Animal Control Officer Robert Larrabee and a half-dozen Rodmar Road residents to figure out what to do about a dog on the loose that is harassing residents.
“This has been going on for over two years,” Tom Mosher said. “Why hasn’t a summons been issued?”
Larrabee said he had been called to the area a number of times, most recently in May, but had never been able to find the dog loose and had limited success in talking with its owner.
Mosher said the situation came to a head Friday night when the dog, owned by Amber Brown, came after him in his driveway. He said he fears his three-pound dog will become a meal.
Other neighbors confirmed Mosher’s statements, with one woman relating how her children are petrified of the dog and are uneasy walking to the school bus.
Larrabee said he will need solid evidence, sworn statements and dated photographs, if possible, to convince the district attorney to prosecute.
“I think we should issue a charge as a dangerous animal, not just a dog on the loose,” Larrabee said.
Selectmen asked Saunders to assist in any way he can, including writing a letter of support on behalf of the board, and asked Larrabee to report at their next meeting.
Selectmen also announced that applications for this year’s Kurt Theriault scholarship and the Roland and Noella Hemond scholarship are now available at the Town Office. Minot residents continuing their education beyond high school are eligible to apply. Applications must be returned by Jan. 17.
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