Board: Sabattus Selectmen

Met: Tuesday night

Sharp new Jaws

Issue: Cutters on the fire department’s Jaws of Life needed to be replaced after 15 or 20 years of use. Two blades run $850.

The scoop: Selectmen approved the repair out of the department’s equipment maintenance account.

Up next: Maybe brand new Jaws. Selectmen will consider putting that purchase – about $10,000 to $15,000 – in an article at town meeting.

Budget committee: Act now

Issue: Two vacancies on the Budget Committee have drummed up interest from four residents. Contact the town office by Jan. 30 to fill out an application and be considered for a spot.

Up next: After selectmen fill those vacancies, the Budget Committee will start meeting in February.

Money matters

Issue: Selectmen went with a $2,500 bid from Waterman’s Farm Machinery for new 48-inch forks for the town back hoe. The forks will be used to empty bins at the transfer station.

Issue: Saying that Planning Board revenues are down, Selectmen decided against a $50-a-month raise to the Planning Board secretary.

Issue: Sabattus’ county taxes will go up $14,000 in the next county budget. Expenditures were down, but revenue was down even further.

Staff writer Kathryn Skelton can be reached at 689-2844 or [email protected]