BUCKFIELD — Architect Andrew Hyland, principal at Port City Architecture of Portland, presented selectmen Tuesday night with a draft report on rebuilding or renovating the town fire/rescue facility.

Hyland explained that whether the old facility was renovated or torn down and rebuilt, it would need to comply with state code. The facility is classed as an “essential facility.” Where code requires most structures only be sturdy enough for those inside to escape after a severe wind, snow or seismic event, essential facilities must remain usable, he said.

Hyland estimated that the renovation would cost $1.6 million while a new facility would only cost $1.2 million. The cost of making the old building structurally up to code was the major reason the renovation is estimated to cost more than tearing down the old structure and building new. He also pointed out that there is more uncertainty in renovating an old structure, and running new electrical and plumbing in a new structure is less expensive than trying to snake it through an existing building.

At their March 5 meeting, selectmen accepted, with regrets, Robin Buswell’s resignation as a selectman. At Tuesday night’s meeting they also accepted his resignation as assessor, effective March 5.

Town Manager Dana Lee recommended that the town seek bids for legal services when the contract with the current town attorney expires. Lee said he knew there are other attorneys practicing municipal law who charged $100 per hour less than what the town is now paying.

The town’s auditor recommended that $3,200 be spent to update an accounting system. This recommendation will be on the warrant at the annual town meeting. Budget Committee Chairman Vivian Wadas said this expense has not been considered by her committee. Town Treasurer Cindy Dunn pointed out that expenses for the fire/rescue facility and for the RSU 10 withdrawal committee were also not included.

Lee said that he had worked to develop a budget with no increase from this year. He said if the voters approved these three items, the budget would grow beyond the current budget.

Lee reported on a charitable program established by M.L. Gibson, former owner of Commercial Paving and Recycling LLC. Gibson was in the road construction and paving industry for 59 years.

Selectmen approved Lee’s application for one of the monthly grants made by the Marshall L. & Ruth-Anne H. Gibson Municipal Charitable Program. If the grant is awarded, it will be used to establish a fund for times when a person “falls through the cracks” of the General Assistance program and needs heating fuel beyond what General Assistance can allow, needs an emergency burial, make repairs to a furnace or has another unique need. The funds would be limited to homes with children or residents age 65 or older.