DIXFIELD – An explanation of how tax-increment financing for a wind farm could affect the town was canceled Monday night, because the consultant was unable to attend. It has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. April 12.

The session will provide selectmen with information on how they should proceed with a tentative plan by Patriot Renewables LLC, which wants to construct up to 22 turbines along the ridge that includes Col. Holman Mountain.

Mathew Eddy, executive director of Eaton Peabody Consulting Group of Augusta, was called away for personal reasons, Town Manager Eugene Skibitsky said.

The town has hired the consulting firm for up to $10,000 to provide information on tax-increment financing programs. The fee will be paid by Patriot Renewables of Quincy, Mass.

In the meantime, the Windpower Ordinance Committee continues to devise guidelines for such construction.

In other matters before selectmen this week, the town was fined $4,900 for a variety of safety violations noted by the state Bureau of Labor Standards. The agency's representative made a surprise visit to the town on Jan. 19.

The violations include such things as having unsafe electrical receptacles, failing to properly mount fire extinguishers and lacking some required policies and trainings.

Skibitsky said each department head is working on the list of violations, and the town has until June 15 to correct them. He said he will request that the fine be applied to the costs of corrections.

Also on Monday, selectmen took a first look at an updated policy that governs smoking in or on municipal property, and a new policy that provides regulations for the sale of surplus municipal property. Action is expected at the March 8 board meeting.

eadams@sunjournal.com