LIVERMORE FALLS – Selectmen sounded off on building maintenance Monday night when resident Bruce Adams asked if there is a dedicated maintenance program for the town’s buildings.

“We try to have a program on preventative maintenance,” Town Manager Alan Gove answered, but Chairman Ken Jacques was not as calm.

“The highway crew should be more public works – we’ve had the same pile of sand out front (of the municipal building) for three months,” he said, referring to a dip in the sidewalk that collects sand and debris.

Officials agreed that the buildings, including the former court that is now the town office, have not been properly maintained, but they were puzzled about who is responsible for them.

As they discussed missing and dirty lights, unwashed windows and small repairs, the board agreed that department heads should be aware of these items.

“Building maintenance is an expense; it’s been neglected for years. We wouldn’t allow this in our homes, we shouldn’t allow it here,” Selectman Bernal Lake said. “There should be pride in the town’s appearance.”

Selectwoman Joyce Drake agreed. “Either we’re asking Ron (Morris, the custodian) for too much of we’re not getting enough.”

Gove will look into hiring someone to mow the recreation field, which Morris does.

Board members also puzzled over the highway crew and the lack of workers in the summer. Apparently, workers are allowed to take compensatory time in lieu of overtime pay during winter plowing.

“With vacation and comp time, some are taking two or three months off,” Lake said. “We’ve gotten into ruts where we’re not production-focused,” he said.

In other business, the board authorized Police Chief Ernest Steward Jr. to purchase a used copier for his department. Steward reported that his staff had spent a week moving things around in the lower level.

He still needs a security camera, adjustments made to a door and changes to the dispatch window. He will also transfer items now stored in the library building to the station.