WEST PARIS – The special audit of the town’s 2002 books is now complete with the exception of a phase of the audit being conducted by the Maine Department of Motor Vehicles, according to Wade Rainey, chairman of the Board of Selectmen.

“The 2002 audit is now done, and the Department of Motor Vehicles was here earlier this week and will have a report for us as soon as they go through the records,” Rainey said.

It was noted, however, that it may take some time for the DMV to release a report.

The special audit has been ongoing since earlier this spring to address discrepancies found in the books from 2002.

Along with the special audit, an investigation is under way by the Maine State Police as problems were uncovered regarding incomplete files and missing files.

It has been made clear by the town’s attorney and the state police that they are unable to answer questions regarding the investigation at this time, but as soon as the investigation is complete, the public will be notified of the findings.

In other business, the selectmen authorized Town Clerk Cheryl Shattenberg to release the $1,500 approved at the March town meeting for use by the Old Home Days Committee.

As explained by Committee Chairman and Selectman Harlan Abbott, the money is needed now as the annual Old Home Days Celebration is scheduled for next week. The event will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 6 to 8, in conjunction with the West Paris High School Alumni Association’s annual banquet scheduled for Saturday, June 7.

It was also agreed to authorize Shattenberg to release a total of $4,500 to the Tri-Town Ambulance and Rescue Service. The money that will be released is approximately one-third of the $13,776 approved as the town’s annual donation to the service in March.

Rescue Service Chief Norman St. Pierre, who was present at the meeting, asked the board if they could release half of the appropriation at this time, but selectmen explained that a larger amount would have to wait until after this year’s taxes are committed in July.

Also Dian Rainey and Wayne Theofrastou were appointed full members of the town’s Planning Board. They were appointed to replace Wade Rainey and Howard Gurney who had to step down following their recent election to the Board of Selectmen.

As explained by Rainey, he and Gurney could not serve on the Planning Board and be selectmen at the same time under state law.

Finally, Shattenberg thanked selectmen for the help and support she is getting from them during this time of special audits and other unusual tasks as the office staff works to reorganize the office.

“The staff and I appreciate all the assistance we’re getting in the office,” she said. “It’s nice to have someone there as issues come up.”

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