WILTON – The question of whether people 60 and older could volunteer to provide community services in return for property tax benefits will be discussed by selectmen meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the town office.

Carolyn Smith of East Dixfield called Town Manager Peter Nielsen to ask him to investigate L.D. 2202 and perhaps set up a program, Nielsen said Friday.

“This could be a real positive step for seniors that don’t want to sell out because of taxes,” she wrote to him.

Under the act, towns can voluntarily elect to adopt an ordinance that allows people to swap services for property taxes or create a “volunteer property tax assistance program,” he said. Participants could earn benefits up to a maximum of $750.

Towns have the right to set up guidelines for the program, such as an income levels for eligibility, what type of volunteer services may be included and how the benefit may be provided.

Voters in St. Agatha in Aroostook County approved an ordinance in 2007 that provides supplemental cash refunds to qualifying residents, he said.

While this ordinance would provide an exemption for one group of residents, Nielsen said, it raises the question of who picks up the tab. If the town creates a program for them where will the board set the tax rate in order to be able to plow the roads, he asked.

The discussion is being held to see whether the board would favor an ordinance such as this. It would have to be accepted by town voters before it could be implemented, he said.

The board will also hold a public hearing on whether the remnants of a burned building at 376 Depot St. constitute a nuisance and what action will be taken. Debris remaining after an October 2007 fire on property owned by Michael and Karen Flagg was released for clean up last spring after an insurance company investigation. Little cleanup has taken place although the town has made several attempts to communicate with the owners.

After contacting the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Code Enforcement Officer Paul Montague was told the town could order a cleanup under “dangerous building” statutes. The process requires a public hearing where selectmen can determine if it’s a danger and then order debris removal.

The board will also discuss a plan to revitalize Main Street.