Franklin County

Government at a glance
Eustis: Logging roadwork OK’d

During their monthly meeting, the Planning Board granted a permit for Sustainable Forest Technologies to build a bridge and fix up roads within the town’s boundaries. SFT is a subsidiary of International Paper, and is improving roads to accommodate log-truck traffic.

Nine ordinance amendments were proposed during the meeting, including rezoning certain areas from the lower woodland to industrial woodland. J&L Brochu has filed an application to expand their industrial wood yard; however, the prior proposal would have to be amended in order for the application to be approved. A public hearing regarding the ordinance amendments and a vote to pass the board’s revised flood plain ordinance will take place during the next Planning Board meeting on Sept, 11.

– David Farady
Industry: Filtration system discussed

The issue of the town’s need for a water filtration system was raised during Tuesday’s selectmen meeting. The town has been waiting on a proposal from Burns Inc. Well Drilling regarding a system and its cost for a few months.

Three years ago, a well was drilled, but excess amounts manganese and iron rendered the water undrinkable. Selectmen are going to contact the drilling company and follow up on the issue at the next meeting.

– David Farady
Rangeley: Board elects officers

Selectmen re-elected Jimmy Jannece and Richard Morton as chair and vice-chair, respectively. The board also received its 2007 tax commitment. The mill rate will drop from $16.60 to $14.05 per $1,000 valuation. County assessors have requested the town’s budget for next year. There also will be a public hearing today regarding the town’s sewer rate, which stands to increase significantly at the recommendation of the town’s auditor.

During Town Manager Perry Elsworth’s report, he requested permission to fill the vacant patrolman position on the police force. The manager and the chief of police, Philip Weymouth, will be responsible for appointing the new police officer.

Elsworth also said a new access road to the airport should be complete this week, a week before the deadline. The construction of the road is part of the larger airport improvement project. An update on the Center Street project also was given. Underground ditching and subsequent paving have already occurred on Center Street, and putting in curbing will be the next step.

– David Farady