PARIS — Voters approved the purchase of two lots adjacent to the Mildred Fox School at annual town meeting Saturday, but not before numerous questions were answered about the future plans, financing and need to buy the lots.

The majority of about 80 voters approved the purchase of the town lots for $80,869 and other budget requests including a $4.2 million budget for fiscal year 2016 during two hours of action on the 33-article warrant.

The majority of increases for the operating budget include 3 percent salary increases for all employees, a $4,000 raise for Town Manager Amy Bernard and capital improvements to cover unforeseen circumstances, including sewer and water-main issues at the Police Department during the winter.

Calling the Fox School building everything from a “white elephant” to a “gold mine,” voters questioned the wisdom of the move to buy the two lots that provide parking and open space for the building that is being turned back to the town by the Oxford Hills School District, which has no longer use for it. The two lots were acquired later by the school using taxpayers’ money from the eight district towns, including Paris, which paid 14 percent of the cost.

Because Paris money had already been used to purchase the lots, school officials offered the two lots at the assessed value plus a 14 percent discount.

While officials acknowledged there is no definite plan or timeline for the entire property, they said the town would not “sit” on the property for a long time and in fact, a for-profit company has said it would like to talk about the purchase of the building.

Officials said it is more likely the town will sell the property.

“This could be a gold mine,” Selectwoman Janet Jamison said.

Voters balked at some budget items, including a request to carry over an unspecified amount of money to the Parks and Recreation Department, attorney fees and cemetery budget.

“We can’t get straight answers,” said Jamison when another resident asked why taxpayers were not being given access to the specific amount of money being carried over.

Others complained about the high price of the Police Department budget of $653,140, asking why the town wouldn’t consider doing away with its own department and sharing county or other town resources.

Resident Kathy Richardson reminded the voters that the town had “copious” conversations several years ago about such actions and all ideas were defeated in favor of retaining the town’s police force.

Voters also questioned the wisdom of spending $9,400 for the Western Avenue Fire Station parking lot when it could be used for road repairs.

Voters approved capital expenditures totaling $694,500. They allocated money to 13 projects and departments, including Parks and Recreation for $8,000; Police Department building improvements for $11,000; Fire Department building improvements for $5,000; Highway Department building improvements for $5,000; Town Office building improvements for $12,500; road reconstruction for $525,000; computer equipment for $1,500; computer software for $1,500; police cruiser for $14,500; plow truck for $80,000; fire vehicle improvements for $10,000; fire equipment for $10,500; and $10,000 for the Mildred Fox School.

Selectmen Sam Elliot told voters who were disgruntled over the ramifications of a recent revaluation in town that they should look at the school budget to see why their taxes are increasing each year.

“If you’re concerned about your taxes, it’s not the town budget that’s doing it to you. It’s the school budget,” he said.

ldixon@sunmediagroup.net

Copy the Story Link