PERU — The Board of Selectpersons on Monday evening prepared for a special town meeting Tuesday for voters to decide whether to take surplus money to cover a $26,000 shortfall in the 2017-18 municipal budget.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Town Office.
The board also discussed the recommendation of Road Commissioner Brad Hutchings to hire an equipment operator and heavy maintenance mechanic.
The board agreed on the candidate Hutchings recommended, but not on Hutchings’ proposed hourly wage of $16, with a 50-cent per hour raise after a first review.
Chairwoman Raquel Welch said the previous employee made $15.79.
The board voted to offer $15 per hour, with a 50-cent raise after a six-month probation.
Board member Carol Roach said the proposed budget for 2018-19 includes a 2.5 percent increase for all road workers beginning July 1.
Hutchings will call the candidate to offer the position.
The board accepted the resignation of Animal Control Officer Cory Marquis, effective May 11. Marquis cited scheduling conflicts and an inability to obtain the required certifications within six months of being hired.
The board voted to advertise the position through the Maine Municipal Association and the Maine Department of Labor and include that the town intends to pay for the required training and certification.
Fire Chief Bill Hussey told the board his department has already received 40 calls this year, which is unusual, considering the town usually gets 60 to 70 for the entire year.
Ryan and Amanda Putnam from the town recreation field were present to ask the board to approve a $500 donation to the Dixfield Recreation Department. According to Amanda Putnam, about 50 youngsters from Peru participate in Dixfield sports teams, and the donation will help pay for uniforms and equipment.
Putnam said youngsters from Canton and Carthage also play on those teams, and Canton donates $500, while Carthage donates $1,200.
The board voted to approve the $500 donation.
Town Clerk Vera Parent said advised the board that there are more than 400 accounts that owe taxes and she has sent letters to those property owners.
“We’ll hopefully get some more income that way,” Parent said.
emarquis@sunmediagroup.net
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