CANTON — Selectmen learned Thursday night that the Northeast Archaeology Research Center in Farmington notified the town that it had found “no significant impact” for the proposed dam at Lake Anasagunticook.

According to the Lake Anasagunticook Dam Advisory Chairman Dr. Malcolm Ray, NEARC will send its findings to Maine State Historic Preservation, which would approve and issue the release.

Ray said that assuming everything goes well, the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments will be able to release the $500,000 in grants.

According to a release by Barb Fortier of AVCOG, there will be a 15-day period for public comment before the funds can actually be released.

The dam will replace the old dam that was deemed unsafe and the gates were opened in May of 2007. This lowered the lake level significantly and the the Water District was concerned about the safety and security of their water intake. A temporary dam was built by volunteers in 2009 to maintain the water level for the Water District and for boating.

In other news, Selectman Donald Hutchins informed the board about concerns the Budget Committee has for the town’s budget next year. Hutchins said they try to keep taxes down, but changes would have to be made to make this happen.

“We want to keep taxes down but not take away any town services,” Hutchins said.

One suggestion was that Road Foreman Randy Fournier be asked to do the town mowing. The board agreed to ask Fournier to take on this project. Hutchins said they would have to figure into the budget the purchase of some mowing equipment.

Hutchins said they also discussed how the town buildings could be consolidated to conserve fuel and lighting. Hutchins said the Budget Committee will be meeting again Friday night.

The next meeting for selectmen will be Thursday, Dec. 23.