Board: Sabattus Selectmen

Met: Tuesday night

Manager search

The scoop: The Search Committee charged with finding a new town manager told selectmen that the Maine Municipal Association will complete the search and advertising work for the town. The association plans to pay for the work upfront, but will charge the town once a new town manager is hired. The cost estimate, according to Search Committee Chairman Normand LaPlante, should be available next week.

Transfer station fees

The scoop: Selectmen approved raising rates for the transfer station’s Freon recovery service. Refrigerators and freezers are now $8 each and air conditioners, water coolers and dehumidifiers are now $11 each.

Siding project in new hands

The issue: The original contractor hired to put up siding on the transfer station’s Metal and Freon Building did not finish the job.

The scoop: Selectmen approved hiring Thick-N-Thin Lumber Co. of Sabattus, to finish the job for $4,757. Selectmen Gino Camardese was the loan dissenter in the vote. Camardese said that the original contractor should have finished the job.

Board: Poland Selectmen

Met: Tuesday night

Development tax break

The issue: The selectmen and members of the Economic Development Committee discussed the logistics behind a tax increment finance district that would help fund downtown development.

The scoop: KP Realty LLC is planning construction of three retail buildings along Route 26. In order to help the developer make public improvements, such as the addition of a center turning lane along the state route, the TIF will keep the development off the state audit, and allow funds to be generated for the town.

Up next: Selectmen intend to make a final decision on the plan this month.

Cutting positions

The scoop: Selectmen decided to slash two open town positions in order to save about $60,000 on next year’s town budget. A full-time public works position, and the part-time assistant code enforcement officer position, will not be filled.

New beach rules

The scoop: Selectmen reviewed proposed changes to the town’s beach use ordinance.

Up next: A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26.