PERU — Selectmen on Monday expressed their displeasure with an application form from Maine Revenue Services regarding a veterans tax exemption.

It states that to be eligible the veteran must serve 180 days between specific dates that are considered periods of conflict.

Selectman Kathy Hussey was not satisfied after the board rejected an application based on the application’s wording. She researched the matter and found that the law requires that only some of the service be between the specified dates.

Based on Hussey’s research, the board reversed its prior decision and granted the veterans exemption.

Clerk Vera Parent and other town officials have signed up for Freedom of Access Act classes offered by Vocational Region 9. She indicated the classes will help the town understand its obligations and rights under the law.

Resident Dwight Hine has make numerous requests for town records under the law.

Resident Wayne Sevigny requested an abatement of his 2011 taxes for his camp on East Shore Road, which burned in August. The request was turned down because the taxes are based on the value of the property on April 1.

Chairman Tim Holland said that was fair since Sevigny was without use of the camp for only a short time. A replacement has already been built, he said.

Selectmen considered action on a piece of property acquired by the town due to unpaid taxes. The son of the previous owner lives on the property but cannot pay the taxes. An attorney has asked the town to let the son sell the property and pay the taxes.

The Maine Municipal Association, which gives towns legal advice, advised selectmen that the town owns the property and any funds received from the sale of the property belong to the town, so selectmen have no right to give it to an individual.

Selectmen reminded residents that the deadline for licensing dogs is Tuesday, Jan. 31. There will be a $25 late fee charged after Tuesday. Fees are set by the state.