BUCKFIELD – Selectmen on Tuesday night set the 2007 tax rate at $18.60, up $1.35 from this year.

Town Manager Glen Holmes made the recommendation and said bills will be sent out immediately and taxes due Dec. 1.

The town’s total valuation is up $2,768,282 over last year to $88,491,685.

Selectmen also approved the general assistance ordinance as recommended by the state.

Holmes reported that the Social Services Committee sent letters to everyone who requested funds for the coming year, inviting them to a meeting. Those that came were granted funds.

According to Holmes, the committee took into consideration how much the services impacted the town when they made their recommendations.

The services and funds recommended are:

• Tri-County Rescue $450

• Androscoggin Home Health $150

• Seniors Plus $250

• Child Health Care Center $225

• Western Maine Transportation $175

• REACH $100

• Veterans Advisory $150

• Community Concepts $1,500

• Rural Community Action Ministry $1,500

Total: $4,500, the amount voted at the annual town meeting.

The Social Services Committee members are Cindy Dunn, Candy Brooks, Dick Piper and Lisa Buck.

Holmes reported he had settled with the insurance company on the old garage building destroyed by fire in September 2005 for a total of $15,000.

David Dean was appointed as an alternate to the Planning Board.

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