BUCKFIELD — The Select Board started the process for the town’s first revaluation since the 1970s by authorizing the Town Manager to seek bids for the project.

Town Manager Lorna Nichols told the board at Tuesday’s meeting that she expects the cost to come in around $140,000 to $150,000. Her plan is to stagger the payments in thirds, paying the first third from reserves and the final two payments spread over the next two fiscal years.

Nichols said the revaluation is long overdue. The last property revaluation happened in 1978.

In other business, Mark Fox of the Streaked Mountain Snowmobile Club asked the board for permission to expand its garage, which sits on town property. Fox asked permission to cut down some trees behind the building and landscape the area in order for the club to extend the garage for more storage. He said the club had signed a 99-year lease with the town nearly 20 years ago.

Nichols said she had yet to find a copy of the lease at the Town Hall, but Fox thought he had a copy in his files. The board voted to table the request until a copy of the lease could be located.

The board expressed no support on a proposal from the Rescue Department to charge a $250 fee to motorists who leave the scene of an accident. While no one from rescue was at the meeting, it was speculated that those who flee would likely not have insurance to bill.

“I’m not sure how we would recoup the fee,” Nichols said.

“Trying to chase down $250 isn’t really worth it, in my opinion,” added Selectman Cameron Hinkley. “We’d spend more money than it’s worth.”

The board appointed Thomas Damon to a three-year term on the Recreation Committee. The board also accepted the resignation of Derek Galway from the Budget Committee.

A public hearing has been scheduled for May 3 at 6 p.m. for a special amusement permit and liquor allowance application for Buck-It Grill & Pub. The board had questions on the increase in the number of events being planned at the establishment.

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