BUCKFIELD – A warrant for a special town meeting was signed Tuesday night that asks for money to buy or repair equipment to maintain roads this winter.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Buckfield Junior-Senior High School auditorium.

Money for road equipment was voted down at the annual meeting in June.

Now, warrant articles ask for:

• borrowing up to $75,000 to buy a new bucket loader;

• approving $40,000 to repair the 1988 John Deere loader if the bucket loader article fails;

• authorizing selectmen to lease a new backhoe for five years;

• raise and appropriate through taxes $15,000 to repair the 1986 backhoe, if the leasing article fails;

• authorizing the purchase of a sidewalk plow/blower for $10,000, which is already approved; and

• approving $20,000 for the highway equipment account and $3,000 for video security at the Municipal Center and the Highway Garage.

Town Manager Glen Holmes requested that the garage be included in the security plan because 200 gallons of gas had been stolen over six months before it was missed. After an inventory showed a loss, Holmes said they found a path through the woods to where the trucks were parked. They speculated that gas was siphoned out and carried away in cans.

A lengthy discussion arose over what to do with the South Hill Road ditch, which was severely damaged by heavy rain last month. There was no damage to the road.

Dick Piper, who worked many years as a highway engineer, said larger rocks are needed.

The board voted to have Maynard Farrar of Sumner do the repairs, which may cost up to $20,000.

Piper also said the board should hire a professional inspector to look at all major road work after its done.

“If you don’t do it you are doing a disservice to the taxpayers,” he said.

A septic violation at 451 North Buckfield Road has been under discussion since May when it was discovered. Holmes said the owners have been trying to get Community Concepts to help. However, the situation has continued and there has been little cooperation by the owners to fix the problem.

Holmes asked the board to give him an order to direct the people to fix the problem in 10 days or the town would do the work and put a lien on the house until the cost was paid to the town.

Selectman Chip Richardson wanted to give the owners 10 more days since a community organization was working with them.

Selectman Chris Hayward said they had been giving them 10 more days at the last three meetings.

The two board members – the third member was absent – voted to table the issue one more time.

The board signed a SAD 39 warrant for a referendum vote on Nov. 4 to consolidate with SAD 21 in Dixfield and SAD 43 in Rumford.

The town is looking for people who would be interested in bringing ideas for recreation in Jersey Bog. They are asked to call the town office.

The town office will be closed Nov. 10 and 11 while the computer server is being upgraded.

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