MINOT — Town Administrator Arlan Saunders on Monday gave selectmen some encouraging news: the town may not lose as much state revenue sharing money as initially feared.

It would appear, Saunders advised, that lawmakers in Augusta are not going to follow that portion of Gov. Paul LePage’s budget plan, which would have done away with the revenue sharing plan.

Saunders said that, while nothing has been finalized, budget plans put forth by both the Republicans and the Democrats would preserve most of the revenue sharing program.

According to figures from the Maine Municipal Association, Saunders said, Minot would receive about $133,000 in revenue sharing if the Republican plan prevails and about $146,000 if the Democrats’ proposal is adopted.

“Either way, the zero thing probably isn’t going to happen,” Saunders said.

If LePage’s plan to eliminate revenue sharing went through, Saunders estimated the town stood to lose about $185,000.

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In other business, selectmen voted to contract with Androscoggin Bank to handle the town’s accounts.

In March, selectmen noted TD Bank had closed its branch office in Mechanic Falls. They asked Saunders to see whether another bank might be interested in providing banking services at competitive rates.

Three banks responded: TD Bank, Mechanics Savings Bank and Androscoggin Bank. Androscoggin Bank’s proposal was judged the best.

Selectmen agreed to sign a four-year contract with the bank and directed Saunders to begin the switchover, effective July 1.

Selectmen also opened bids from three residents who expressed interest in purchasing the town’s old Engine 1 and awarded the firetruck to Michael G. Hemond, who had the highest bid at $1,559.10.

Selectmen voted to accept the audit report for the the fiscal year that ended Jan. 31, 2013.

Town treasurer Holly Packard reported that this week she will be sending out 30-day notices on 2012 tax liens. She expects she will be sending out about 112 notices.

Code Enforcement Officer Ken Pratt reported a few building permits are being filed, evidence that the town may be seeing a little growth.

Selectmen also selected Noella Hemond to receive the Spirit of America award.


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