DIXFIELD – Selectmen tabled action on whether to ask voters to accept the Holman Homestead, set a schedule of meetings to develop the municipal budget, and got an update on tentative plans to build a boat launch at their meeting Monday.
Board Chairman Tony Carter said Tuesday afternoon that the historic circa 1800 home on Common Road was offered to the town last year. Before a decision can be made, he said he will meet with Town Manager Jeff Jacobson and Peter Holman to discuss the offer.
A recent assessment of work required at the white, clapboard home showed that the roof must be replaced immediately to ensure that the house does not collapse.
Carter said the town will look at options for saving the home, including finding an outside source to make repairs or selling some of the antiques inside the home to help pay for repairs.
The Holman family offered the structure to the town last year; however, at last year’s annual town meeting, the article was passed over until the offer was put into writing.
Selectmen and the Finance Committee will begin hearing departmental requests next week as part of the development of the 2006-2007 municipal budget.
Carter said he’d like to see last year’s approved budget, at $1.86 million, pared down so that the current $29 per $1,000 valuation tax rate could be reduced.
The two groups will meet on April 5 to discuss the police and town manager’s offices; on April 12 to discuss public works, grounds and recreation; and on April 26 to discuss any changes or concerns. All meetings begin at 6 p.m. in Ludden Memorial Library.
Carter said the deadline for warrant articles will be May 8. The town meeting is set for Thursday, June 1.
Also at Monday’s board meeting, Carter said selectmen received an update on tentative plans to build a boat launch on Webb River at McGouldrick Park. He said the Planning Board and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection have approved the project. Local ATV club member Dan Mitchell is seeking a $2,500 grant for building the boat launch. If all goes well, Carter said the Webb River’s first boat launch should be ready for use by autumn.
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