Issue: It’s been more than six years since town officials and residents started planning for a new town office building. Voters approved a construction budget of $575,000 during March’s annual town meeting. However, other issues – such as what the building will look like, who will build it and whether or not it can be erected for that budget – remain unresolved.

Up next: Seeking public input, town officials have scheduled a combined meeting of selectmen, Budget and Town Office committees for 7 p.m., May 14, at the existing Town Office.

New policy brings building values into line

The scoop: Several of the town’s buildings are not accurately valued with regard to replacement costs in the existing municipal insurance policy. Board members met with a representative from Maine Municipal Association’s risk pool Monday night to fix the problem in time for the policy’s upcoming renewal.

Local company gives low bid on mow jobs

The scoop: Local landscaping company Gilbert Lawn Care submitted the lowest of several bids and received the 2007 contract for municipal mowing. Gilbert’s bid was for $8,800.

Mock resigns; family moving

Issue: Selectman Charlie Mock submitted his resignation from the board, effective June 12. Mock and his family will be moving to Holden, an eastern Maine suburb of the state’s other twin river cities, Bangor and Brewer.

Up next: Mock’s term doesn’t expire until April 2009, but the board will not have a vacancy due to his departure. A special election is planned for June 12, the same day as the state’s special referenda election, to fill Mock’s seat. Nomination petitions can be picked up at Town Hall immediately and are due by May 29 with at least 25 signatures but no more than 100. Absentee ballots will be available May 30. Polling hours for both state and local elections will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Smile, recyclers: You’re on video

The scoop: To ward off unauthorized use of the transfer station and recycling center, selectmen Monday voted to purchase a security camera system for the facility. No set date for installation was given, but board members said it would be operational very soon.

Contact J.T. Leonard with local government news at [email protected]