MEXICO – Selectmen are expected to discuss, and possibly take action on, a proposed reorganization of the town Recreation Department Wednesday.

The special meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Office.

At issue is whether to incorporate the Wellness Center into the Recreation Department. The Wellness Center, originally established at Rumford Hospital, is housed at the Mexico Recreation Center.

The center was supposed to begin paying $6,900 yearly lease after its first year at the town site, Town Manager Joseph Derouche said. The organization has been at the recreation center for more than two years and has yet to pay rent because of a lack of funds, he said.

At least one selectman, Chairman Arthur Bordeau, suggested last month that the Wellness Center be shut down. However, Derouche said an apparent breakdown in communication between the Wellness Center, selectmen and the town manager led to confusion about how, or if, to reorganize the Wellness Center and the Recreation Department, which is also struggling financially.

He said he has been working to create new programs for both the Wellness Center and Recreation Department that could lead to financial solvency. At Wednesday’s meeting, he said he hopes selectmen, the Recreation Department and the Wellness Center can come up with ways to keep the two programs going.

If not, he said, the Wellness Center may have to close down.

The board will also discuss the potential impact of the so-called Paleski tax cap proposal, if it is passed in November, and whether Mexico wants to participate in a study by the Maine Municipal Association of the impact that proposal would make on its finances, and jobs and services.

The board will also set a special meeting to discuss steps the town must take in the event of Derouche’s long-term absence or his inability to continue in his job. Derouche is afflicted with a long-term, debilitating illness.

Also on the agenda is a closed session to discuss police union contract changes related to overtime pay.