The Board of Selectmen discussed ways to address problems with a shared fire-department radio frequency Tuesday night.

Monmouth shares the same frequency with Poland, and Monmouth’s transmissions drowned out Poland’s when both towns had emergency situations at the same time this week.

Poland Town Manager Richard Chick said he would discuss options to resolve the issues with the provider of the radios and with Monmouth Town Manager Steven Dyer. Chick also planned to meet with representatives of the Poland Fire and Rescue Department next week.

– John Plestina
Poland: Levine wants

to start water company

A resident, who says the town could share profits in a venture and everyone’s taxes would go down, presented a business proposal to selectmen Tuesday night. He said he would not disclose details of what he proposes to do until Aug. 19.

Ira “Ike” Levine told selectmen he is interested in leasing a town-owned pit, filling it with water and starting a water company in which the town could share in the profits.

He declined to say whether the business would be a water utility. He said it would not be a bottling plant. Levine said he needed time to prepare his proposal and that he expected to be ready to offer the details at the second board meeting in August.

The idea is not a new one, Levine said. “I’ve talked about it since 1992. Now I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is.”

Levine, a 15-year Poland resident, is a professor of natural and applied sciences at Lewiston-Auburn College. He chairs the Poland School Committee and is a former selectman.

– John Plestina
Auburn: Commissioners hire and promote cops

In a special meeting, the County Commission approved one new corrections officer and two promotions.

Kevin Harmon was promoted to sergeant, Dennis Samson to corporal in Poland and Jeffrey Carr to corporal in the Corrections Department.

Samson will take over the position that was held by Cpl. Rielly Bryant, who is now a corporal detective with the sheriff’s department.

In other business, the commission approved purchasing a new postal meter from New England Shipping Solutions for $1,964. The funding will come from the emergency contingency account. The new meter will replace one that was in use for 26 years.

– John Plestina
Sabattus: Board

will set tax rate soon

Selectwoman Rudy Gayton said she expects selectmen to set the mill rate soon, probably by the end of July. Gayton said she has hopes the rate will not rise. Currently the rate is $22.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

– Seth Golden
Sabattus: Town needs

more police reserves

Police Chief Thomas Fales Sr. says he is looking for more reserve officers. Interested applicants can call Sabattus police at 375-6952.

– Seth Golden