Canton residents were told taxes will not be raised
to erect the
new firehouse.
CANTON – Approximately 50 Canton residents attended a public hearing Monday night on grants up for town acceptance.
They were told taxes will not be raised to erect the new firehouse out of the flood zone near the town garage on Route 4.
The Community Development Block Grant for $250,000 requires a 20 percent match of $50,000. Selectman Susan Gammon explained there is $32,000 in the municipal building account, and selectmen cut the budget to get money without having to ask taxpayers for more.
The issue will be voted at the annual town meeting in March.
Fire Chief Wayne Dube said, “It’s pretty awesome to get this building and not raise taxes.”
Since the initial plan, the second floor was scratched to eliminate a required elevator. The section of the building for a Red Cross shelter will accommodate some 30 people. During the recent flood he said 219 people, or 20 percent of the town, were evacuated.
Diane Ray gave an overview of the comprehensive plan. There is a potential of some $700,000 in grant money.
Terry Ann Stevens from the Department of Economic and Community Development spoke on how the DECD $400,000 grant can be used to address the gap between fair market value of homes and the cost of a new residence. This money would be available to families with low to moderate incomes.
Selectmen are working on an emergency preparedness ordinance, which will be voted on at the annual town meeting in March. Gammon said the town attorney will review the ordinance.
There will be a vote on accepting the fire house grant at 9 a.m. Feb. 7.
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