Board: Turner Selectmen

Met: Monday evening

Early leave denied

The issue: Town Manager James Catlin’s request for an early separation was denied by selectmen.

The scoop: Last month, selectmen voted not to renew Catlin’s contract, which expires June 30. The board did approve the search for a new manager.

Removal of warrant articles

The scoop: Selectmen removed four articles proposed for town meeting, including an article to fund voting machines, an article to provide $4,500 for a school resource officer, an article to provide $5,000 for Turner Grange 23, and an article to provide $10,000 for the Nezinscot River Dam.

Too much tax

The issue: Two parcels of land owned by William and Vicki Varney were apparently taxed for more acreage than actually owed over a period of years.

The scoop: The problem was discovered recently while a licensed forester was providing a plan for the two parcels, which were placed into the Tree Growth Program. According to the Maine Municipal Association, the owners are allowed one year of returnable tax. However, selectmen voted to allow the Varneys to recover three years of overpaid tax.

BQMC use limited

The issue: Selectmen voted to discontinue public use of the Buffy Quimby Memorial Center Hall because the community center is not up to state codes.

The scoop: The cost to bring the hall – which is used by youth and community groups – up to state codes, including handicap accessibility, is too expensive.

Up next: Community events booked at the hall through December 2007 will continue, and selectmen will meet with the BQMC Board this month to discuss further plans.

Weigh station opposed

The scoop: The Maine Department of Transportation wants to build a weigh station at the former rest stop on Route 4. Selectmen voted to draft a letter to the department in opposition of the plan.

Voting registrar appointed

The scoop: Selectmen approved Eva Leavitt as the registrar of voters.