CANTON — Selectmen on Thursday approved negotiating with the Maine Department of Transportation for its surplus garage on Route 108.

In a report from the Town Owned Land Committee, Selectman Shawn Gallant said, “The town owns too many buildings and too much property. It owns at least 77 properties, some of which were unknown until the committee began its work, he said.

One possibility considered is to remodel the meeting rooms in the fire station on Route 108 and use them for the town office, and sell the existing town office on Staples Hill Road. Gallant, who is also fire chief, explained what would be needed to convert second-floor storage space into a usable meeting room for the Fire Department.

Another possibility is to acquire the state highway garage the state no longer uses. It would be used for the town garage and the town garage could be remodeled for use as a town office, the committee told selectmen.

This property is probably available at a good price because Gov. Paul LePage has instructed MDOT to get rid of unused property, Gallant said.

The town needs to construct a salt shed and has a reserve account for that purpose. Gallant said the committee hopes the state will consider its obligation to furnish the town with $100,000 toward a salt shed, when setting the price for the garage site, which already has a salt shed.

The public is invited to attend the next meeting of the Town Owned Land Committee at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4 in the fire station. The committee is charged with making recommendations to selectmen. Residents get to decide on the disposal and acquisition of property at the annual town meeting this year.

Gallant said he has received an attractive offer for the old fire engine. The 1975 International pumper was taken out of service after failing its pump test.

The board decided to stick to its policy of putting surplus equipment out to bid. Bids on the fire engine will be due in the town office by April 10. People may contact Gallant for information on the truck.

Selectman Scotty Kilbreath was the only one of the four selectmen who signed a letter submitted by Maurice Castonguay recommending that the Legislature reject LePage’s budget proposals.

Selectman Lisa Cummings said that while she did not agree with all of the details of the budget, she supported the governor’s efforts to reduce spending.

Selectmen voted to renew the contract with the town of Jay recycling facility. The $2,227.50 contract is based on a rate of $2.25 per resident. Residents will be charged additional fees for some materials delivered directly to Jay.