DIXFIELD – As selectmen finish up construction of one bridge that spans the Webb River and connects with neighboring Mexico, a second bridge project is about to start.

One of the major differences is who pays for each bridge.

The Thad White Bridge, which crosses the Webb River off Coburn Avenue and connects with Mexico, is nearly complete. The towns of Dixfield and Mexico are each paying $75,000 and the state is paying $150,000 for the bridge replacement.

The planned replacement of the Webb River Bridge on Route 2, will be funded through the state. That figure and timeline are not yet known.

Town Manager Eugene Skibitsky said Wednesday afternoon that a preliminary public meeting on the bridge’s replacement has been scheduled by the Maine Department of Transportation for 6 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Mexico Town Hall.

Meanwhile, the two towns plan to celebrate the completion of the Thad White Bridge at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, with a ribbon-cutting at the bridge, followed by a reception at the Dixfield Historical Society building on Main Street.

Skibitsky said the town’s Boston Post Cane holder, Eva Taylor, will ride in one of the antique autos that will cross the bridge during the ceremony.

In other matters from Monday’s selectmen’s meeting, Skibitsky said:

• Selectmen voted unanimously to begin the process of selling nine tax-acquired properties. Those owners must pay municipal taxes in full no later than Jan. 2, 2009, to prevent the sale of their property. Skibitsky said owners of four other properties have made arrangements with the town for regular payments so their real estate will not be sold.

• The town and SAD 21 agreed to a plan for the maintenance of the fields at Harlow Park. The land is owned by the town and used by the school district for athletics. Each party has agreed to particular responsibilities such as mowing, fertilizing, watering and cleanup.

• Selectmen agreed to purchase heating fuel, diesel and gasoline from Hometown Energy, Dixfield, at 16 cents above rack price.

• The ice rink heating shed, and rink, have been repaired at McGouldrick Park and will be ready for skaters once winter weather arrives.