BUCKFIELD — Fire Chief Tim Brooks told more than 40 people at a hearing Tuesday night that the fire/rescue building has leaks and mold, the heating system is antique and the electric wiring is flawed.

He also said the space is tight in the bays, making it unsafe for the volunteers, the lighting is poor and volunteers are at risk every time they go on calls.

The Buckfield Fire Rescue Task Force recommends demolishing the building and the old public works garage next to it and constructing an 8,000-square-foot station.

The fire/rescue building is about 60 years old and the roof has been leaking for years. Brooks said every time it rains, he puts more tar on the roof.

The task force has looked at grants, but the town doesn’t qualify.

Town Manager Dana Lee said there are few grants available and the competition is fierce.

The task force looked at a site near the Public Works Garage and the garage at the former Oxford Networks building, but Lee said the latter is under contract to be sold.

Lee said they were looking at borrowing $900,000, but it might be closer to $1 million to build a station for fire and rescue apparatus. The annual payment for a $900,000, 30-year loan would be $46,600. There is nearly $100,000 in reserve for fire and rescue, which could be used, Lee said.

Resident Judy Berg suggested they look more into renovating.

A resident asked if a firm figure could be presented before a special town meeting. Lee said he would get an engineer to come up with firm figures.

During the selectmen meeting following the hearing, which was held in the Municipal Building, the board voted to hold a special town meeting Dec. 8 to consider an entertainment ordinance. Jason Rowe plans to open a restaurant and bar with entertainment.

Appointed to review applications for a Public Works foreman were Jerry Wiley, Dana Lee, Martha Catevenis and Tony Bachelder. The board will look at the applicants after the committee has pared them down.

The board approved a request from the Buckfield High School senior class to use Bessey Field on Oct 26 and 27.