LIVERMORE FALLS — Livermore Falls selectmen discussed an extensive list of property foreclosures at their meeting on Tuesday.

“It’s sad remembering what this town looked like and then seeing it today,” Selectman George Cummings said.

Selectmen reviewed six foreclosures for nonpayment of property taxes and three for nonpayment of sewer bills. 

One of the properties, at 60 Knapp St., has a home on it that’s in better condition than the other foreclosures, Town Manager Kristal Flagg said. It is valued at $53,050, according to the most recent tax assessment, and she asked selectmen if they wanted to put a minimum bid on it.

Cummings asked if Code Enforcement Officer Rob Overton could look at the property again, and if Town Assessor Paul Binette could provide an updated assessment.

“I hope they secured the building somewhat,” Selectman Ron Chadwick said.

“We usually will go around and make sure the property is locked and secured,” Flagg said.

The previous owner has moved out, and several residents at the meeting expressed concern about pets being left inside.

Fire Chief Edward Hastings IV offered to go up and check the home to see if animals were there. He came back later, noting that although he didn’t enter the building, he looked in the windows and there didn’t appear to be any pets present.

Main-Land Development has completed a boundary survey of the fire station, Flagg said. A letter will be sent to abutters stating what the boundaries are before work starts on renovations.

Hastings noted the town was awaiting approval of United States Department of Agriculture funds for the work.

“Hopefully, we hear back, get the green light and go out to bid,” he said.

Selectmen and Road Foreman Bill Nichols discussed purchasing a tractor for clearing the sidewalk of snow in the winter and doing other tasks throughout the year such as mowing. He said he had researched a machine that was just the right width for the sidewalks and would cost $80,000 to $85,000, including attachments.

Cummings said he wanted to see price quotes from different companies “so we know what we’re getting ourselves into.”

The board noted the town has $126,600 in its highway equipment reserve account that could be used to pay for the tractor.

In other town news:

* Elections for town officials and the referendum on town and school budget warrant articles will take place at the Town Office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13.

* The Town Office will be closed on Fridays until further notice, as Town and Sewer Clerk Amanda Allen is on maternity leave. Flagg said Tax Collector and Registrar of Voters Dawn Young and herself would split Allen’s duties in her absence.

bmatulaitis@sunmediagroup.net

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