The last Bass headquarters in Maine, one in South Portland, will also be closed.
By Noreen Coolidge
Special to the Sun Journal

WILTON – Town Manager Peter Nielsen will present selectmen with an update on the G.H. Bass distribution center closure in Wilton when the board meets Tuesday. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the town office.

The 127-year-old company began closing plants in the 1980s. In 1998, owner Phillips-Van Heusen of New York closed a 350-person Bass manufacturing plant in Wilton. Production was moved to Puerto Rico at a cheaper rate.

Phillips-Van Heusen said it had reached a licensing agreement that gives Brown Shoe Co. of St. Louis, Mo., the rights to design and market the Bass brand in wholesale markets. The arrangement becomes effective next month. The last Bass headquarters in Maine, one in South Portland, will also be closed.

Officials from the Brown Shoe Co. toured the Wilton distribution center on Friday to determine whether they may have a future use for the building and some of the Bass employees. There is also some possibility that private businesses may occupy the building. Synernet, a medical transcription business that opened in the old Bass headquarters building in Wilton, may need such a building for expansion of their business.

Nielsen has also spoken with state and federal officials about aid and training opportunities for laid-off workers. The state Department of Labor has notified the Bass human resources department about any services they can offer employees. That department has also encouraged Bass to apply to the U.S. Department of Labor for Trade Act Assistance eligibility.

Nielsen will also report to selectmen on a Dec. 16 police cruiser accident and a letter from the Maine Department of Transportation regarding the Goodspeed Street bridge. Plans to repair or replace the bridge have been in the works for some time.

In other business, selectmen will conduct a public hearing on two renewal applications for junkyard permits. After the hearing, they will decide whether to approve the renewals.

Officials will hear a presentation on assessing trends from Assessing Agent Rob Stevens and hear a quarterly report from Fire Chief Fred Hyde.

Officials also plan to discuss goals for the 2004-2005 municipal budget. They will consider inviting the town’s Finance Committee to a Jan. 20 meeting with SAD 9 representatives.

Selectmen will also discuss a resolution from the group “Taxpayers for a Fair Budget” and sign disbursement warrants.

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