GREENE – Structural problems at the town’s new fire station include some walls bowing. On Monday, selectmen voted to withhold final payments until the contractor resolves the problem.

Construction began last year on the station, which was dedicated in November.

Late last year, the town temporarily withheld payments from the general contractor, Glen Builders of North Conway, N.H., while the contractor repaired a leak in the roof and other minor problems.

Town Manager Stephen Eldridge said selectmen decided Monday to withhold final payments of $28,000 to Glen Builders and $3,000 to Plymouth Engineering of Plymouth until the structural problems are resolved.

Eldridge said an engineer who looked at the walls this month told him 2-by-6-inch studs may not have dried properly and may need reinforcement.

Back taxes owed

In other business, Eldridge told the board that the general fund balance is about $681,000, or about $151,000 less than it was at this time last year. That’s partly due to tax revenue that hasn’t come in yet, he said.

Eldridge said two operators of the Maine Poly plant owe taxes for 2000 through 2003. G.E. Capital, the former operator of the industrial facility on Route 202, owes taxes from 2000 and 2001. The current operator, Maine Poly Acquisition Corp., owes the 2002 and 2003 taxes.

“We’re having very good conversations with both about how they’re going to get these taxes paid,” Eldridge said, adding that he expects the two companies will pay all back taxes this year.

Selectmen also discussed the dedication of the annual report, without mentioning the honoree’s name. Each year, selectmen choose a resident who has contributed significantly to the community for the report’s dedication. Eldridge said the board doesn’t want the name known until the town releases the report to the public in mid-February. It goes to the printer next week.

The annual town meeting is scheduled March 6. Elections for municipal offices will be the previous day.

Prior to the start of the board meeting, the selectmen and Planning Board held their annual joint meeting. The two boards also discussed growth. Greene had 28 new housing starts in 2002 and 32 in 2003.

The boards commented positively on Code Enforcement Officer Bruce Tufts’ work since he took the job last year.