Board: Sabattus selectmen

Met: Tuesday night

New, lower tax rate

Issue: The current mill rate is $14.15. The new rate for the coming year: $14.

The scoop: Taxes could have dropped further but a majority of selectmen opted instead to set aside $109,465 to cover what could be increased Regional School Unit 4 costs next year and to place $69,412 into an overlay account to save for large expenses. Mark Duquette supported putting less into each account and using the funds for tax relief now.

Up next: Property tax bills go out next week. The first half of taxes are due Sept. 1.

Mill secured

Issue: After a tax default, the town has found itself the owner of the former Webster Rubber Co. Plant.

The scoop: The old mill is falling down in places and unsafe. Selectmen unanimously approved spending up to $25,000 to secure the building and buy separate liability insurance.

Up next: Trees will be cut and the property mowed. Forty sheets of plywood will board up the mostly broken windows and a new 400-foot-long, 6-foot-high fence will surround the property.

Formal thank-yous

Issue: Newly retired Police Chief Thomas Fales was given a plaque for 18 years of service.

Issue: Police officer Ralph DeStefano received a proclamation and standing ovation for his quick work of saving a teenager’s life last month with CPR. The teen’s father was also present to thank him.

Issue: Chairwoman Ronda Fournier thanked Norm LaPlante and his Sabattus Festival Committee for another great event.

Staff writer Kathryn Skelton can be reached at 689-2844 or [email protected].