SABATTUS — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday evening revisited the issue of a parcel of property owned by Darwin and Kathleen Webster, which according to attorney Martin Eisenstein of Brann & Isaacson, is also owned by the town.

Findings show that in 1984, the parcel of about 2 acres was deeded to the town by the late Louis W. Wallcroft.

Darwin Webster was not aware of this when he purchased the property several years ago and has been paying taxes on it since. After having the land surveyed, Webster was made aware of this discrepancy.

The board voted to table discussion until the next scheduled meeting Nov. 15. Selectman JP Curran opposed the motion. 

Town Manager Tony Ward will determine how much Webster has paid in taxes, including interest, and will report to the board at the next meeting. The board will then decide what steps to take to rectify this situation, including accepting the land as town property or allowing Webster to take possession of it.

The land has no structures on it and is primarily used for hunting, Webster said. He is hoping the matter can be resolved and is willing to work with town officials on the matter.

Ward and board Chairman Mark Duquette attended a recent meeting with town officials and board members from Wales and Litchfield, to discuss the amount each town pays toward the Regional School Unit 4 budget. The cost-sharing formula is based 50 percent on student population and 50 percent on property valuation.

Some Litchfield residents think they are paying too much because their student enrollment is lower than Sabattus’ but their property valuation is higher, considering its many lakefront properties.

The issue will be discussed by the school board in the coming months.

Ward and Road Foreman Gary Labonte met with Pine Tree Engineering to examine all town roadways. A comprehensive five-year repair and refurbishing plan will be provided by the company.

Curran expressed concerns about the lack of communication with residents about town affairs. He said some don’t have the internet.

Selectmen are updating information on the town sign and having newspaper coverage, in addition to social media, Selectman Andre Marquis said.

Selectman Guy Desjardins said it’s difficult for five board members to take care of 4,000 people.

Selectman Michelle Ames suggested scanning meeting agendas and posting them on the town website or Facebook page to get the public more interested.

In other news, the Ordinance Review Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 28, at the Town Hall to discuss the revision of the Curfew, Driveway Permit, Dangerous Dog and Fireworks town ordinances.

Ward recommended that the board explore regulations and the implementation of any new ordinances pending the outcome of statewide referendum on the legalization of recreational marijuana.

The board discussed the next steps involving the demolition of Webster Mill. Ward hopes to have a request for proposals for the demolition and land clearing out by December to bring to the board in January.

Ward informed the board that an Oak Hill librarian passed along a town ledger that dates from 1840 through 1882 for the town of Webster, known today as the town of Sabattus. Ward is looking to have the artifact preserved.

Ward announced that the Maine Turnpike Authority will begin a new project on Maxwell Road starting near the Litchfield line and will rebuild a two-lane road starting in February or March 2017. The project is expected to take about seven months.

The Town Hall will be open until 7 p.m. Wednesday for citizens to obtain absentee ballots or to register to vote. It will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and also for the Thanksgiving holiday from Nov. 24-25.

The Board of Selectmen will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Town Hall.