OXFORD – The state did not approve this community’s proposed Oxford Development Corp. Business Park tax incentive financing plan, Interim Town Manager Sharon Jackson informed the selectmen during a meeting last week.

Jackson said the town needs to come up with a specific list of economic development projects the state can approve.

Because of the disapproval, an option the town has is for the TIF to capture 50 percent of the new value and those funds have to go into the general fund.

Jackson noted the town cannot get a tax shelter on money it places in a fund to be used in the future for unspecified “economic development” projects.

She estimated the town’s 50 percent share to be $10,600. With the time constraints of the public hearing and special town meeting slated for Sept. 16 and the due date for submission of the TIF application by Sept. 30, Jackson suggested the board consider the 50 percent for year one going into the general fund. She also suggested the board request the Economic Development Committee work on revising the TIF agreement to come up with specific projects.

The selectmen agreed and decided to advertise for two residents to fill two open seats on the development committee to bring it up to a full committee of five.

Decreased trailer taxes approved

OXFORD – Interim Town Manager Sharon Jackson told the selectmen during a meeting late last week that a citizen is interested in moving an abandoned mobile home that property taxes are owed on. The mobile home is on land owned by Richard Clark of Auburn and back taxes owed are $1,138.50.

Jackson noted Clark wants the trailer moved and raised questions about its ability to stay in one piece if moved. She said it is in bad shape. The town is planning to foreclose on the property in November, and will own and be responsible for paying land rent on the trailer, moving expense or the expense to tear it down and dispose of it.

Jackson told the board the taxes need to be abated in order for the citizen to hall the trailer away. Jackson recommended abating the taxes to allow the trailer to be moved and to release the town from future liability.

The board agreed to abate the taxes contingent upon removal of the trailer.

Selectmen approve salt purchase

OXFORD – The selectmen signed on with the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments joint purchase 2004-05 salt bid, during a meeting last week.

They agreed to purchase salt from low bidder Morton Salt at a cost of $41.80 per ton. Last year the community paid $32.65 per ton. The community budgeted for 800 tons at a $36 per ton estimated cost for this year, the difference is an increase of $4,640.

Town office elevator open

OXFORD – Interim Town Manager Sharon Jackson informed the selectmen repairs to the elevator in the town office are done, during a board meeting last week. The elevator is now open for public use.