CANTON — Fire Chief Shane Gallant, who is also a selectman, discussed a concern about mutual aid between fire departments at Thursday night’s meeting.

According to a letter from Sumner Fire Chief Robert Stewart, a bill sent to Hartford for responding to a fire last year has been submitted three times and remains unpaid.

“It’s not right for the citizens of Sumner to pay for fire service to Hartford,” Stewart said.

Gallant is worried that Canton will lose the mutual aid provided by Sumner when responding to fires in Hartford.

Gallant said, “If we loose Sumner for covering Hartford, we are missing a big piece of mutual Aid.”

Gallant said, “Sumner was a big help in the Cary Hill fire (last year). If you look at a map you can see where there are places in Hartford where Sumner can respond and be on site much faster than either Canton, Turner or Buckfield. If we have a major fire, we will need their help.”

Gallant suggested that Canton try to mediate with Hartford and Sumner and come to an agreement. Selectman Donald Hutchins said he would contact Chairman Lee Holman of the Hartford selectmen and try to set something up.

Hutchins also said that if Canton has to operate without Sumner, it may have to increase its coverage cost to Hartford.

In other news, David Madison from the Sewer Department reported that more rags from the Victoria Villa had damaged the recently repaired impeller.

They are billing the Villa for the repair cost. The board suggested an option to put a screen on the outlet from the Villa that would catch the rags. This would back into the Villa, but would protect the town’s sewer.

Hutchins presented an idea to the board that would entail the investigation of possibly freezing property taxes for retirees. Hutchins said he believed this would stimulate the economy. He said he would inquire about other towns that may be doing this and report back to the board.