BUCKFIELD — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday evening accepted a $814,741 bid from H.E. Callahan Construction Co. of Auburn to build the fire and rescue station, but waived signing the contract until Friday so they could read it.

Town Manager Cindy Dunn said the project will start July 7 with tearing down the old station. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. July 15.

Last year, voters approved spending $1 million to build an 80- by 100-foot station next to the Municipal Building on Route 117. It will replace the 60-year-old station.

The design called for seven vehicle bays, as well as rooms for offices, bunks, training, storage and a kitchen. Emergency vehicles will still enter and exit the building onto Main Street.

Dunn said the mezzanine and paving were included in the bid. The sprinkler system was not, but was approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

In other business Tuesday, Dunn said the 2014-15 tax rate has been adjusted as a result of actions at the annual town meeting. The new rate is $20.20 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The board discussed including an article in next year’s annual town meeting warrant seeking voter approval to allow up to a certain percentage of any or all accounts for unanticipated expenses. There were several departments with overdrafts this year.

Selectman Martha Catevenis said it was interesting to think they would give permission for overdrafts.

Dunn pointed out all the repairs on equipment that were needed last winter.

“There are emergencies and I would hope this illustrates to the voters that we need good equipment that doesn’t break down,” Selectman Cheryl Coffman said.

The board voted to have Buckfield Rescue consider helping Turner with emergency medical services. 

The board scheduled a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. July 15 to vote on amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance.

Thomas Verrill, the town’s sealer of weights and measures, is retiring. The board voted to have the state take over these responsibilities until a qualified resident is appointed.

Appointed to boards and committees were:

* Janet Iveson, Beautification Committee for three years.

* Perley Lovejoy, Budget and Road committees, three years.

* Vivian Wadas, Budget Committee, three years.

* Sharon Bennett and Norman Parks III, Economic Committee.

* Diana Dunn and Sandra Perkins, Old Church on the Hill Committee.

* Crystal Fyistra and Scot Crockett, Recreation Committee.