NEW GLOUCESTER – Selectmen have named a Foreclosure Committee to recommend what to do with tax-acquired properties.

Appointed recently were Public Works Director Bill Waterman, assessor Nancy Pinette, Code Enforcement Officer Debbie Park and Town Manager Rosemary Kulow. Board of Selectmen Chairman Steve Libby said he expects he and board member Steve Chandler will be the two selectmen chosen.

The committee also includes one member each from the Water Resource Committee, Conservation Committee, Recreation Committee and the Planning Board. Those people have not been named.

Voters passed an ordinance in 1999 that governs management and disposition of property acquired for nonpayment of taxes. Certified letters are sent to delinquent taxpayers, the Foreclosure Committee and selectmen prepare a fact sheet on each property listing current use, assessed value, size, location, zoning and other relevant data.

The committee is charged with recommending what to do with each property: retain it for town purposes, lease it, sell it, or donate it to some nonprofit organization whose mission benefits townspeople. Final action rests with selectmen.

Property owners can make a repurchase agreement with selectmen.

Currently the town owns 13 parcels totaling 83 acres acquired for nonpayment of taxes.