OTISFIELD — Mia Purcell from the Western Maine Economic Development Council advised selectmen Wednesday evening that the agency can help the town and local businesses.

Purcell said that while there is no business in Otisfield that has financing through the council, the resource is available.

Since July 2015, the agency has helped 21 Oxford County businesses with financing, resulting in 113 new jobs and retaining 49.

Purcell also mentioned that the council can be a great resource for businesses just starting out or those that want to move into the area and are looking for a location. She said the council has a comprehensive list of what is available in Oxford County.

The council also works with communities and provider companies to improve broadband availability in smaller towns.

In other news, the board:

• Decided to repair picnic tables at the town beach, but said if vandalism continues, they could be removed;

• Decided to research the cost of providing more signs for the Heniger Park trails and increase the visibility of the trails to the public with brochures and maps;

• Voted to lock in winter fuel pricing for the 2016-17 season with C.N. Brown;

• Issued a reminder of the Appeals Board meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, at the Town Office regarding a proposal for a wedding barn on Gore Road. If the crowd is large, it may move to the Community Hall; and

• Notified the public at a joint meeting with Casco selectmen on Aug. 2 that final approval was given for the bid from T-Buck Construction for repairs to Pleasant Lake Dam.

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