OXFORD COUNTY: West Paris
About 40 people at Saturday’s town meeting voted to raise $15,000 toward building a new addition to the West Paris Library.
The renovation project costs roughly $350,000. So far, a $110,000 trust fund will be used for the project. The library trustees will also hold fundraisers and apply for grants from charitable foundations to help offset the cost.
Town Manager John White said the library, built in the early part of the last century, is an important landmark in town.
“I think it’s a really great project for our community,” White said. “The library does a very good job, but they need a lot more room.”
Residents approved every budget item on the town warrant in less than two hours. They voted to raise $85,100 to operate the Fire Department and $113,975 to run the transfer station. Voters also decided to raise $225,000 to operate the Highway Department, which includes $85,000 for snow removal.
One item that generated some discussion was an article to raise $18,000 for general assistance, a local welfare program. The item passed. White said residents questioned the $6,000 increase over last year, attributed to the high cost of oil and increase in the number of clients they serve.
Dennis Henderson was re-elected to another three-year term on the Board of Selectmen. Shane Poland was re-elected to another three-year term on the Water District Board of Trustees.
Posted at 10:10 PM
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