The Rangeley Board of Selectmen is moving forward with purchasing a parcel of property that could have a potential environmental issue due to a spill from a turned over oil tank on the property in 2023.

The board voted 4-1 Monday after residents Nov. 5 voted in favor, 309-186, of acquiring the .35-acre property at 50 Pleasant St. for $99,500. The property is next to the Town Office and Rangeley Fire Rescue parcel, and abuts the town lot at 3 School St.

A purchase agreement was signed pending approval by voters. Despite the outcome of the town vote, selectmen had the authority to proceed with or abandon the sale during the due diligence period, in effect through Nov. 30.

The property owner was not interested in pursuing an environmental escrow arrangement or time extension on the due diligence period, Town Manager Joe Roach said Monday.

Resident Chris Farmer voiced opposition to the purchase due to not knowing the extent of the oil spill’s impact on the property.

“I don’t have a good feeling. If you had a clear understanding of what the environmental impact was, then I might feel better. You’ve got some unknowns. We haven’t invested any money. I’d rather you spend $10,000 or $15,000 to get a clear idea on the environmental before you close on this,” Farmer said.

Selectman Samantha White said she felt it was a good purchase for the town. If the property is not able to be built on, then it could be used as a green space or parking lot, she suggested.

Following an executive session, held in order for the board to deliberate the contract for the property, a motion to move forward was made to start the closing process on the property pending a clean title search. The motion also included expending up to $6,000 in contingency funds for phase one of an environmental site assessment.

Board members White, Ethan Shaffer, James Jannace, Jacob Beaulieu voted in favor of the motion. Keith Savage voted in opposition.