The town also approved

a reduced operating budget.
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer
RUMFORD

The Polar Bear Snowmobile Club will soon build a new clubhouse and storage building along the banks of the Androscoggin River.

Most of the nearly 100 people who turned out for Monday’s annual town meeting authorized selectmen to lease a two-acre, town-owned parcel to the club, but not before a 40-minute discussion questioning the town’s liability and whether leasing the land for a token fee might set a precedent.

The original article called for selling the parcel, located near the public boat ramp, for $1. But voters agreed to modify the wording to a lease contract when some questioned whether the land would revert to the town if the club at some time in the future no longer needed the property.

Resident Joe Gorham said selling the land could set a precedent for other clubs. “Does anyone have any idea what that land is worth? Will this open up a floodgate for every organization in town?” he asked.

Jim Riordan told selectmen that the town-owned land was acquired for a boat ramp and suggested that officials consider other land for a snowmobile clubhouse. “This land was dedicated for a boat ramp. The proposed building could be put on another piece of land,” he said.

Town lawyer Jennifer Kreckel said even with a lease, the town will share in the liability of activities occurring on the land parcel. She also said that with a lease, there were no provisions for the land to revert to the town if the club for some reason no longer needed the land parcel.

Selectmen said they wanted to provide some means for the club to build its building because of the economic impact the snowmobile industry has on the town.

“The snowmobile club has helped the economy of the area,” said Selectman Eugene Boivin.

“It brings people into the community,” said Selectman Jolene Lovejoy.

Club member Bob Stickney said development of snowmobiling was also a part of the town’s comprehensive plan.

The club will build the clubhouse and storage building to house the groomer about 250 feet from the banks of the river. He said it would not affect use of the boat ramp.

Townspeople also approved a $6.2 million operating budget, which is down about $44,000 from last year’s approved figure, and agreed to have the town take over the maintenance of the East Rumford Cemetery.

The only article on which the Finance Committee and the selectmen differed involved the salary for the town clerk and treasurer. Selectmen had recommended $27,500 while the Finance Committee suggested $30,000. The Finance Committee won out. Boivin said the lower salary was recommended because veteran Town Clerk Mary Ann Prue was retiring later this month.

The mill rate will be set in late August or early September. Taxpayers will be able to make two equal tax payments on Oct. 1 and April 1.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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