LIVERMORE FALLS — Selectmen voted 4-1 Tuesday to accept the former Livermore Falls High School and former Livermore Falls Middle School from Regional School Unit 73.

They also agreed to contract with John Cleveland of Community Dynamics Corp. in Auburn to develop a report on potential uses for the buildings. His fee of $50 per hour plus mileage will be drawn from the town’s tax increment financing funds related to Central Maine Power’s new transmission line.

Selectman James Collins voted against taking the buildings because he wanted more public input.

Prior to the vote, Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Louise Chabot said she spoke to many people and all said they wanted the town to accept the buildings.

The motion included that acceptance was as is with the contents intact.

A straw poll of the 10 or so residents at the meeting was unanimous to accept the buildings.

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A motion by Collins to hold a special town meeting to ask residents to decide whether to accept the two buildings was turned down. By law, selectmen can decide to accept or reject former school buildings.

Town Manager Kristal Flagg said an article will be placed in the town meeting warrant asking approval for funds to maintain the buildings. Although neither of the buildings will likely provide space for many activities for quite some time, she said insurance and minimal heat must be provided.

If residents reject money for maintenance the town can put the buildings up for sale.

Regional School Unit 73 Superintendent Kenneth Healey previously told board members the district will likely want to rent the locker rooms and some storage space in the former high school. The district will maintain ownership of a couple of sports fields next to the school.

In other matters, nomination papers are available at the Town Office for two seats on the Board of Selectmen. One is for three years and is held by Chabot. The other is for two years and is held by Laurie Sanborn. Neither has decided whether they will seek re-election.

Those interested must gather signatures of at least 25 registered voters and turn in the nomination papers by April 24.

A seat on the RSU 73 Board of Directors is also available.


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