PERU – Selectmen examined the 2004-2005 expenses for the Rockemeka Grange Hall on Monday night, noting that $426 is left in the account for the remainder of the year.
Families in Crisis and the Peru Historical Society use the town building regularly. The budget passed this year was supposed to cover expenses for the year, but with oil prices up as well as electricity, the town will have to make a decision on keeping the building open.
Representatives from the society were present, but Families in Crisis was unable to attend until next week. Board Chairman Andy St. Pierre said he didn’t see any answer but to keep the building open until the money in the budget has been used up.
Former Selectman Jim Pulsifer said the town needs the facility. “We just can’t close it up. Is this building part of the town buildings or not?” he asked.
“Are you saying we should go over budget?” asked St. Pierre.
Pulsifer answered that if the town needs it, it shouldn’t be closed.
Selectman Norman DeRoche asked why the Central Maine Power bills were so high.
Selectman Kathy Hussey said Families in Crisis has two large freezers. This group uses the building once a month to offer lunch and pantry food to needy families.
Town Clerk Vera Parent found the power bills for the year before Families in Crisis started using the building, which was about five years ago. The power bills then were $212 for the entire year. So far this year, the bills total $900.
Historical Society President Robert Dolloff suggested putting the charity organization on a separate meter. No decision was made until the board meets with Families in Crisis next week.
Road Commissioner David Gammon reported that he graded Packard Road and thought it was in good shape. The school bus had refused to travel on the road because of its condition. Selectmen discussed various ways to make the road more usable and will make on site visits.
Worthley Pond resident Clyde Wardwell complained about what he called rude treatment he has received from the Planning Board over a building he is erecting at the pond. He presently has permits and the selectmen said he should proceed.
Building permits for a garage, sheds and a driveway were approved for Joni Dolloff on Dickvale Road, Maurice LaCroix on LaCroix Road, Bonnie Gould on Pleasant Street, Phil McCrillis on Main Street, Richard Breau on Greenwood Road and Joe Kerr on Auburn Road.
Comments are no longer available on this story