ANDOVER — Voters at the annual town meeting March 18 will be asked to raise more money for the property revaluation account, Selectman Jim Adler said at Tuesday night’s board meeting.

“The townwide revaluation is grossly overdue; it’s been 27 years and we should do it every 10,” he said.

For years, selectmen have asked for $10,000 annually for the account, which now totals $63,000. Because the amount is close to what is needed for the job, the board is requesting $17,000 this year.

However, resident Wayne Delano has submitted an article asking that the money in the account be used to lower the tax rate.

Another article recommends transferring $19,229 from a land purchase account to a new highway equipment account.

“We are in desperate need of money for highway equipment and that land purchase account is just sitting there,” Adler said. “The Fire Department equipment is aged, and in need of replacement (and) the highway department equipment (also needs repair or replacement),” he said.

Selectmen also recommend spending $3,500 to establish a Public Works Department.

Mowing the Town Common and ball field, along with ball field equipment repairs and a port-a-potty rental for the Town Common would fall under the care of the department. Some of these needs were taken care of by the Recreation Committee, which has disbanded, Selectman Jane Rich said.

Also Tuesday, selectmen accepted Treasurer Barbara Simmons’ letter of resignation. She has served eight years and will retire April 26.

Lynn Wilson of Bethel, owner of Bluestar Bookkeeping in Bethel, will take the job.

In annual elections, Adler’s position is open for three years. Adler chose not to run but said he’ll accept if elected by write-in. Mark Thurston, current Chairman of the Planning Board, has also indicated that he will accept write-in votes also.

No one has filed nomination papers for the seat, selectmen said.

Andover school board members Paula Lee, Tim Akers and Betty Davis are up for re-election and have no challengers, Rich said.

mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net

Andover election, town meeting

Andover polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the Town Hall.

The town meeting will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Town Hall.

Andover Selectmen Jim Adler, Sharon Hutchins, center, and Jane Rich hold a meeting in February.