MINOT — Selectman Eda Tripp told the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday that estimated losses in various revenues for this coming year could drive property taxes up more than 10 percent.

“And that’s just what could happen on the town side of the budget,” Tripp said. “Never mind what the schools are looking at.”

Tripp pointed to two major capital improvement projects being proposed this year — an addition to Central Fire Station and the construction of a small addition to the Town Garage — as expenses that town meeting voters should take a hard look at when they gather March 2.

She noted that the garage addition would be done as low-cost as possible: $35,000 for materials, with labor provided by the highway crew.

“I question whether we can afford even that,” Tripp said.

The board agreed that it was going to be an extremely difficult year.

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In other business selectmen:

* Following a public hearing on changes being proposed for the town’s Floodplain Management Ordinance, directed that it be posted for a vote at town meeting. The amendments follow Federal Emergency Management Agency stipulations and are necessary if the town is to continue to participate in the national flood insurance program.

* Authorized Town Administrator Arlan Saunders, acting as road commissioner in consultation with Highway Supervisor Scott Parker, to post town roads to heavy traffic loads as deemed necessary.

* Announced that annual town reports are available at the Town Office.

* Named Heidi Hersey, currently deputy town clerk, to serve as municipal agent for the purpose of signing motor vehicle registrations. This is the first step in Hersey’s promotion to the position of town clerk.

Saunders announced that Angeliec Goulding, current town clerk, had given notice that she is going to work for the town of Turner. He noted that Goulding, with her expertise in running elections, agreed to assist the town through town meeting elections, to be held Friday, March 1. Hersey will take over on Saturday, for the business portion of the meeting.

Code Enforcement Officer Ken Pratt noted that progress was being made in dealing with ordinance violations occurring on property on Lower Road. He said letters had been sent to the property renter as well as to the owner. Saunders noted that the property owner, in response, had indicated displeasure with what’s going on.


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