PERU — The town highway garage is under construction on Peru Center Road, replacing one destroyed in a fire Jan. 27, 2023, that also consumed equipment inside and vehicles outside.

In April 2023, voters approved financing $400,000 for up to 10 years and using $212,215 from property insurance to replace the garage and two trucks.

Road Commissioner Tyler McDonald told the Select Board on Aug. 19 that CWT Builders of Peru planned to have the garage built by Oct. 31, but “that was with them getting started a month ago.”

McDonald said with confidence that employees will be able to use the building this winter.

“If something breaks after November 1st, guess what, it’s being worked on in that garage. Plain and simple. It’s a big building; they can work around us. We might not park everything inside because it’s not finished, but that garage is being used,” he said.

The building will be one story with a wood frame, metal roof and concrete floor with radiant heat. There will be a loft for offices in one corner.

It replaces the 33-year-old building that was 2,400 square feet and deemed too small for the department.

The board also approved McDonald’s recommendations for gray siding and a green roof.

The town had received close to $600,000 from its insurer as of April 18, 2023.

McDonald announced that Dickvale Road will be closed Aug. 26-31 between 501 Dickvale Road and Lovejoy Hill to replace a bridge. A detour will be set up on Mineral Springs, Gammon and Ridge roads with signs at all intersections. All emergency services and the school department will be notified. For more information contact him at 207-418-7597.

In other business, nomination papers are available to complete Selectman Jason Dolloff’s term, which expires in June 2026. Papers must be filed at the Town Office by Sept. 27 for names to be on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Officials are also looking for a code enforcement officer.

The Planning Board will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 10 in the Town Office.