WILTON – Selectmen on Tuesday will consider a resolution to dedicate revenue from the June education referendum to lower property taxes. The board will meet at 7 p.m. at the Town Office.

The passage of Question 1 means the state Legislature will provide at least 55 percent of the cost of kindergarten-to-Grade-12 education each year, and 100 percent of special education costs.

In other business, selectmen will meet with Franklin County Animal Shelter director Patty Lovell to discuss the stray animal program.

At their last meeting, officials renewed a contract with the Franklin County Animal Shelter at a 10-cent per capita increase, or $1.25 per person. That will bring in an additional $412.30 per year. The town currently pays the shelter about $6,000 each year.

Nielsen contacted the shelter to ask Lovell to come in to answer officials’ questions. They would like to discuss the per capita fee, how many animals they receive from the town of Wilton, and their policies for the adoption of animals.

Newly elected Selectman Russell Black also reported at the last meeting that he has received complaints about animal control officer Wayne Atwood’s lack of response to an incident in which a pit bull chased cows in East Wilton. Nielsen looked into the matter and will discuss his findings with officials.

Selectmen will consider making appointments to the town Planning Board. One member’s term expired last month, one resigned, and another is expected to leave soon.

Black told officials last month that he would like to resign from his position as chairman of the Planning Board as soon as possible, but would like to see Keith Swett, who is also a selectman, come back to the Planning Board. Swett’s term expired June 30. Black has one year remaining.

Swett said some residents have expressed a concern about individuals serving on both boards.

Selectman Rodney Hall said the town is definitely not allowed by law to have three people serve on both boards because it constitutes a quorum of selectmen. Norm Gould also serves on both boards.

Officials will sign letters of appreciation to Planning Board member Bernal Allen, who resigned for health reasons effective June 18, and former Selectman George Mosher, who lost his bid for another term to Black.

Officials will consider renewing the assessing agent’s contract and consider appointing Dennis Landry to the Board of Appeals. They will also hear a quarterly report from the Fire Department.


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