BUCKFIELD — The Select Board approved changes Tuesday to an agreement with Merrymeeting Chapter of Trout Unlimited to remove the C. Withington Dam and the Son Dam on the West Branch of the Nezinscot River.

The 200-year-old stone mill dams are 10 feet high, 90 feet long and close to Routes 140 and 117. They are owned by George Doughty, who also owns the water rights and the water wheel.

Trout Unlimited supports the dams’ removal, according to its Memorandum of Understanding with Buckfield.

A Memorandum of Understanding is not legally binding but serves to document each collaborator’s expectations or intentions.

Trout Unlimited will raise money to work with professional engineers in obtaining the necessary permits, overseeing the dams’ removal and monitoring  potential erosion for five years.

Selectperson Sandra Fickett suggested changing the agreement to clearly define that the town would not be involved in securing money for the project.

Edward Hammond also supports removing the dams to protect his apartment building at 19 Morrill St.

Selectmen said they would sign the document if Trout Unlimited agreed with the changes they approved.

State dam inspector Tony Fletcher expressed concern in a 2003 report that a flood would endanger the school bus garage and adjacent buildings. Among its findings were:

• A 100-year-flood will overflow the abutments as well as the adjacent apartments.

• Possible maximum flood level is estimated to be three to four times the 100-year flow.

• The water level could exceed 10 feet and such a breach would be catastrophic with a high risk for loss of life.

The agreement mentions that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife views the Nezinscot River as a native brook trout stream.

Trout Unlimited has proposed working with the historical society to erect a kiosk or other signs at the site to commemorate its history.

In other business, the board set budget workshops for March 4, 6 and 8. A public hearing is scheduled April 1 and voters will decide on it June 10.

Nomination papers for two selectmen and a Regional School Unit 10 director will be available March 4 with the deadline for filing at the Town Office on April 11.

Town Manager Cameron Hinkley welcomed Rebekah Wunsch as the new deputy clerk.

The town took advantage of an Efficiency Maine rebate program to install LED lights in the Fire and Rescue Station, the Public Works and Transfer Station buildings. The rebate saved the town $9,000.