CARTHAGE — The 2009 annual town meeting takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at the Webb River Community Hall.

It’s nearly nine months later than usual due to illnesses, a death, and other unexpected events, First Selectman Steve Brown said.

Tax bills will likely be sent about the same time as usual, mid- to late-December. And because the economy is so poor, residents will likely have 60 days, rather than the traditional 30 to pay them without penalty, he said.

The town has not had to borrow funds to pay its bills, Brown said, largely because many residents paid estimated property taxes.

Tops on the 45-article warrant are items dealing with about 320 acres that may become the site of several wind towers. Brown said residents will be asked to allow the Board of Selectmen to take whatever steps are necessary to try to determine town ownership of the property through a declaratory action. The article requests an expenditure of up to $5,000 for the legal action.

The lots appear to have no clear owner since they were deeded to Caroline Weld by her father, Benjamin, in the mid-19th century. The lots have been listed as town property for nearly a century, although no clear title appears to exist.

Other articles ask residents to: rescind a conservation easement placed on the lots eight years ago; negotiate a possible agreement with Patriot Renewables LLC for placement of up to six wind towers on the property; and enter into a conservation easement for the remaining property not used by the wind towers.

The proposed six towers could become an extension of a wind project the Quincy, Mass., company is proposing for adjacent land along the Saddleback Ridge. That land is privately owned and the wind power company has an option to buy it.

If the lots are determined to be owned by the town, Carthage would lease the land to Patriot Renewables, then collect royalties and a percentage of funds generated from the electricity produced by the six wind towers if the project goes forward.

Also at Monday’s town meeting, residents will act on a proposed municipal budget of $269,935, which is about $200 more than in 2008.

From the floor of the meeting, voters will elect a selectman, town clerk/tax collector and treasurer. Those positions are now held by Scott Berry, Linda Berry and Nancy Blodgett, respectively.

A public supper will be served by the Newman Cemetery Association beginning at 5 p.m., and the selectmen will meet at 6 p.m.

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Carthage First Selectman Steve Brown points out lots on a topographical map. Residents will be asked to decide whether the town should spend up to $5,000 to get a clear title to the 320 acres of land. If the town is declared the owner, the land could be leased to Patriot Renewables LLC for an extension of a proposed 12- or 13-turbine wind farm on an adjacent ridge.