TURNER — After considerable discussion, selectmen voted Tuesday night to set the mill rate at $15.70 per $1,000, 4 cents lower than last year’s rate.
Selectmen got to see the new tanker, which two members of the Fire Department had driven back from Commodore, Pa. The 2002 tanker cost about $80,000. It is the first factory-built truck the town has had; all others were homemade, Fire Chief Michael Arsenault said. It is easy to drive, he said, which means more people will be able to drive it.
New Rescue Chief Toby Martin said his focus has been on bringing the department into compliance. He said the Bureau of Labor will come to inspect the department and tell him what he needs to do. He said the scheduling is not in compliance and he may look to an outside source for billing.
He also said they need to get the radios re-programed. His comment about wanting 12-hour shifts for providers brought a comment from Fire Department Secretary Kelly Cooper, who said they would lose volunteers because most have full-time jobs and 12-hour shifts would not be possible.
Martin wants his drivers to be at the certified level, he said.
Board Chairman Kurt Youland reminded Martin that they have a budget and that would have to be considered in making changes.
In other news:
* The board granted a holiday for the town clerks to attend the Maine Municipal Association convention on Oct. 4. The Town Office will be closed.
* Town Manager Kurt Schaub reported that the Martin Stream Bridge on Ricker Hill Road will be replaced next summer. The project will be put out to bid this fall. Also, the town beach on Bear Pond is officially closed as of Labor Day.
* Schaub reported that liquor license applications have been submitted by Bryant’s at 63 Auburn Road and Hannaford.
* A junkyard license hearing will be held Sept. 15.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
