POLAND — Selectmen decided Tuesday to revisit the town’s agreement to provide ambulance service to Mechanic Falls.

Nearly $37,677 has been charged by Poland Fire Rescue for calls to Mechanic Falls in 2018, but only $22,125 has been collected.

Poland does not bill Mechanic Falls for ambulance runs. Payments are made via insurance carriers, individuals or third-party collection services.

The agreement was made several years ago after it was learned Mechanic Falls did not pay for ambulance calls made by Poland Fire Rescue.

In other matters, Town Manager Matt Garside discussed changes in town warrant articles regarding locations for marijuana cultivation, manufacturing and sales. The articles will be reviewed by the Planning Board before a public hearing is held.

The Recreational Use Marijuana Committee, formed last year to draft ordinances governing the growth, sale and use of marijuana, has changed language regarding locations for operations and eliminated the option allowing cultivation operations of 20,000 square feet.

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Garside said having selectmen set license fees instead of stating dollar amounts in ordinances would allow more flexibility in administrating the cultivation and sale of marijuana.

Selectmen scheduled a workshop for 6 p.m. on Feb. 4 to possibly restructure the town employee benefit package.

Board Chairman Walter Gallagher said he hoped a decision to increase the employee contribution for health insurance can be made before the annual town meeting April 6.

Nomination papers are available at the Town Office for the following elected offices:

• Two selectpersons for three years each.

• Two library trustees for three years each.

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• One Regional School Unit 16 director for three years.

Nomination papers are due at the Town Office by 7 p.m. on Feb. 25. 

Two Budget Committee members will be appointed by selectmen. Applications are also available at the Town Office.

Polls for town elections will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 5, upstairs at the Town Hall. The business part of the meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on April 6 at the Poland Regional High School auditorium. 

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