OXFORD — The Board of Selectmen agreed Thursday night to write off $32,695 in unpaid personal property taxes, including $780.70 in exchange for a fireproof safe now in the sewer department office.
The decision to accept merchandise in lieu of tax payments came after a discussion about the transaction between the owner of Ed-O’s, Ernest Knightly, and former Town Manager Michael Chammings.
Town Manager Derik Goodine told the board that Chammings recently said he “didn’t recall” the transaction but there is no doubt the safe is in the town’s possession. Goodine said he has not been able to find another one like it, but he estimates its value at between $1,500 and $3,000.
Selectman Peter Laverdiere motioned that the board accept the agreement. The motion was unanimously approved.
Goodine said Friday that the town will write a $600 check to the owner of the safe and have it signed over for his unpaid taxes. That would leave a paper trail to ensure the transaction is aboveboard.
The board also unanimously awarded three foreclosed properties to the high bidder Eugene Smith. He received property at 81 Coldwater Brook Road for $1,001.99, property at 91 Coldwater Brook Road for $5,001.99 and property at 212 Gore Road for $14,001.
A property at 1032 King St. will be bid again because Joseph Wax and Nathan Sayward each bid $45,000.
Also Thursday, selectmen said they will further review a resident’s request for a town fireworks ordinance. Some board members said a local ordinance would be too hard to enforce. Others said the state regulations should be sufficient.
In other business, the board:
* Agree to look at a part-time recreation director on the advice of Goodine. He said the position could better coordinate a number of issues, including use of playing fields, budgeting and building repairs. The director would report to a recreation advisory committee, he said.
• Approved new Pismo Beach rules and regulations, which will be posted on the town’s website.
• Was told by Goodine the the new sewer line will not go to the trailer park.
• Was told delays are expected on Route 26 between Welchville and Five Corners in Poland for the next week because a culvert is being installed on the Mechanic Falls end.
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