Buckfield Board of Selectmen

April 3, 2018

Buckfield Municipal Building

Budget

What happened: Town Manager Joe Roach presented selectmen and the Budget Committee the draft fiscal 2019 budget, which could increase the tax rate.

What it means: The overall budget is $3.63 million, which is $274,188 more than this fiscal year. The municipal budget is $1.93 million, up $191,400; Oxford County assessment, $123,452, up $21,484; Regional School Unit assessment, $1.57 million, up $61,304. 

What’s next: Selectmen and the Budget Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at the Municipal Center, 34 Turner St.

Old Church on the Hill

What happened: Selectmen received an update on fundraising and grants for the Old Church on the Hill, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

What it means: The committee wants to apply for grants but cannot proceed until the field representative from Maine Preservation see the 1832 church. Members want to launch a GoFundMe or similar crowdsourcing campaign to raise money to make the church safe and protect it from the elements.

What’s next: Roach will get information to the committee regarding setting up the crowdsourcing campaign before its next meeting Saturday, April 21.

Fundraisers

What happened: Selectmen approved two fundraisers for high school classes to be held at the Municipal Building.

What it means: The lawn sale for Buckfield High School’s sophomore class from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the gazebo in front of the Municipal Center. Also the junior class will hold a car wash from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 5 at the Municipal Center.

MMWAC representative

What happened: Selectmen unanimously appointed Roach as the Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp. representative for Buckfield.

Letter

What happened: Selectmen approved writing a letter to Community Concepts to support the nonprofit’s quest for funding from the Housing Assistance Council for its Self-Help Homeowners Opportunity program.

What it means: Roach said the letter is essentially a reference for Community Concepts.

Public hearing set

What happened: Selectmen set a public hearing for 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the Municipal Building for renewals for a special amusement permit and liquor license for the Buck-It Grill & Pub.