PERU — Selectmen voted Monday night to have the town attorney pursue the case against Donald Paradis for building a two-car garage larger than permitted and making a residence on the second floor.
The board’s decision followed an executive session.
Paradis received a building permit for a garage with storage space only and paid a fine for constructing it larger than authorized.
He was issued a notice of violation requiring him to either remove the building or the kitchen and bathroom on the second floor.
Paradis took his case to the Board of Appeals, arguing that his residential plumbing permit overrode the limits in the building permit. The Board of Appeals decided against him and he appealed to Oxford County Superior Court in Paris. In June, Active-Retired Justice Robert Clifford affirmed the Board of Appeals ruling.
Paradis appealed the court’s decision, prompting selectmen to have the town attorney continue to pursue the case.
In other business Monday, Town Clerk Vera Parent reminded selectmen there are several openings on the Finance Committee. Selectmen are seeking volunteers.
Selectmen intend to begin work after the first of the year on the warrant for the annual town meeting. They are expecting the Finance Committee to work on all money articles.
Parent recommended that some of the undesignated surplus funds be invested in Certificates of Deposit so the town can earn interest. She proposed maturity dates in six-month intervals, with the maximum being two years. Selectmen and the Finance Committee will consider the proposal.
Parent pointed out that in the past, when interest rates were higher, the town would make from $50,000 to $65,000 each year.
Resident Dawna Kazregis asked why the town didn’t fix the roads if they have money to invest.
Pulsifer said voters determine all expenditures.
He also said the town needs to maintain a surplus to meet obligations because the income stream is not regular. Funds are also needed for emergency expenses or unexpected loss of income. He suggested that $500,000 was a reasonable amount for the undesignated fund.
Parent said the town needs at least $200,000 per month to meet its obligation to Regional School Unit 10 and other expenses.
It was announced Monday that the Town Office will be closed Dec. 24, 25, and 26 for the Christmas holiday.
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