GILEAD — Residents at a recent special town meeting voted 29-19 to negotiate to buy a garage.

Town Clerk Linn Chapman said many in the town want more space to store Fire and Public Works departments vehicles and equipment.

Selectmen Steve McLain and Jeremy Morin are expected to try to work out a deal with Cole’s Custom Auto owner Kenneth Cole before the board’s meeting on Dec. 8. The third selectman, Frances Head, recused herself from the board’s vote to put the question to the public because she is handling the sale of Cole’s property.

The garage is located on Railroad Lane, which is about 0.2 miles from the fire station, town office and town hall complex on Depot Street.

Chapman said the asking price for the garage is $159,000, but the town hopes to negotiate a lower price.

If an agreeable price is approved by selectman and Cole, another special town meeting would likely be called within 10 days of the Dec. 8 selectmen’s meeting.

If all goes as expected, the garage would house all Public Works equipment, including two plow trucks, a bucket loader, lawnmower and other equipment. Right now, most of those items are stored at the fire station, which means the Fire Department’s pickup truck, utility vehicle and forest fire trailer are stored outside the building. The Fire Department’s two engines are stored inside the fire station.

Chapman said if residents approve the purchase, the town would borrow the funds for a period of 10 to 15 years.

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