Government at a glance

Sabattus Board of Selectmen

Met: Tuesday, Dec. 4

Water testing

Issue: Water quality test results showed two wells on Pleasant Hill Road, near the town’s transfer station, to have high levels of arsenic, said Town Manager Greg Gill. Test results were turned over to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Up next: Gill added that the DEP likely will want to test two wells at the transfer station for comparison. The state has a grant program that covers 90 percent of the cost of mitigating damage to private wells caused by proximity to municipal landfills, Gill said. If more affected wells are found, the town could apply for the grant.

Schools to stand alone

Issue: Sabattus schools intend to stand alone in the face of Gov. John Baldacci’s education district consolidation plan, and school officials submitted their intentions to the state by last week’s deadline. Now it’s up to the state Department of Education either to approve or reject the proposal. Sabattus has had difficulty finding other districts willing to merge. Local officials say Sabattus spends more per student than neighboring districts, which is why finding a partner has been tough.

Up next: The state’s decision is due by Dec. 15. However, school officials also have been speaking with representatives from SAD 11 in Gardiner as a contingency. The next school committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Central School.

Appointments

The scoop: Selectmen Tuesday appointed Stephen MacDonald, Peggy Peters and Mark Fournier to one-, two- and three-year terms, respectively, on the town Budget Committee. Additionally, Jim and Tracey Rancourt were appointed to the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee. The couple’s daughter, Hannah Rancourt, also wanted to serve on the committee. However, because Hannah is a minor, Town Clerk Suzanne Adams will have to check with the Maine Municipal Association.

Early closure

The scoop: Town Hall will close at noon on Friday, Dec. 21, so staff members can attend the town’s Christmas party.

Contact JT Leonard at [email protected] or 252-6040 with municipal government news.