Board: Turner Selectmen

Met: Monday night

Let there be ice fishing

Issue: Emile Gagnon told the board that Little Wilson Pond has been closed to ice fishing since 1968.

The scoop: He’d like to see that changed. In a straw vote, selectmen voted unanimously to support him.

Up next: Gagnon is petitioning the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ask them to reconsider.

Nezinscot Dam cleared up

Issue: The dam was eyed for repair in early summer after concern that a rock in the dam had shifted.

The scoop: Any damage wasn’t so bad. Two selectmen and Public Works cleared up debris and vegetation and it was soon back in business.

Up next: The board voted to add park benches and split rail fencing to the lot next to the dam.

Excise, rescue revenue up

Issue: For the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the news on excise tax and rescue revenue is good. Town Manager Eva Leavitt said both are running about 5 percent above budget estimates. “The call volume has increased for rescue over the last 18 months,” Leavitt said. Revenue has risen along with that, with the department hiring a third full-time person.

The scoop: Two budget lines within two town departments have run over their estimates: radios for the Fire Department and supplies and tools for Public Works.

Up next: Leavitt said budgets are often pulled together 18 months ahead of time, and things can come up. She’s getting more details on the expenses from department heads.

Staff writer Kathryn Skelton can be reached at 689-2844 or kskelton@sunjournal.com