Alna town meeting March 22
A quarter-million-dollar fire truck and a $50,000 fix for North Old Sheepscot Road are up for voters' consideration in Alna on March 22.
The annual town meeting starts at 10 a.m. at the fire station.
Fire Chief Mike Trask is proposing residents tap the $163,000 they have saved up to buy a fire truck, and take out one of two, five-year loans: a $132,000 one with annual payments of about $28,315; a $115,000 one with payments of about $24,669 a year.
The bigger loan would add a foam system to put out fires more quickly than water alone, Trask has said. He supports getting that system for the truck. The truck costs $295,000 with the system; $278,000 without it.
If voters reject both offers, a third question proposes adding $35,000 this year to the fund being built up annually for the next truck purchase.
The fire department is also asking residents for $2,000 to match a $4,478 Maine Forest Service grant to finish landscaping the park at the firehouse; $500 from fire department fundraisers and another $2,000 in donated labor, services and material would comprise the rest of the local match, Trask said.
A question involving a North Old Sheepscot Road project comes down to whether or not residents want to fund a permanent fix now, or keeping making repairs when they’re needed, First Selectman David Abbott said. A section of the road is getting nearer to a ravine, town officials have said.
Road Commissioner Jeff Verney said he supports funding the project; it may not cost the full $50,000, depending on bids, he said.
In elections at the fire station Friday, March 21, all candidates are unopposed on the ballot. First Selectman David Abbott and Road Commissioner Jeff Verney are seeking reelection; Ralph Hilton is seeking to continue to represent Alna on Regional School Unit 12's board; and Aaron Miller is seeking a first term as treasurer.
Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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