M e e t i n g M a t t e r s
Ashby Board of Selectmen October 18, 2006
Compiled by Karen Mann Journal Correspondent

Top Story:

Selectmen decided to do more research before awarding a bid for a surplus dump truck.

P&S Trucks and Parts Inc submitted a bid for $2,800 for the 1995 international dump truck. Another bid for $2,000 was submitted by resident Tim Morrill.

Because the bids were sealed, town officials must go with highest bid.

Selectman Geoff Woollacott expressed concerned that the truck might be going for a lot less than it is worth. He wanted to know if any town officials had an assessed value of the truck.

Town Administrator Linda Sanders said she did not have knowledge of the assessed value.

Selectman Gerald Houle said $3,000 was probably a good estimate once additional costs for taking the truck were factored in.

"It's probably in the ballpark," said Houle.

Woollacott was not satisfied with this answer, and said the board was not being "fiscally responsible."

He recommended the town have a policy where items will not be sold for less than a certain percent of what officials think the value is.

The selectmen had not set a minimum bid when issuing the bid requests.

Sanders told selectmen they did not have to accept the bid. The other option would be taking the truck to public auction.

Selectmen agreed they would take the bid under advisement.

In other news:

+ Lillian Whitney came before selectmen to ask if they would reconsider sponsoring the 240th Anniversary Committee.

Whitney said she is having a hard time getting donations because the committee is not officially sponsored. She said it would not cost the town a penny to sponsor the committee, but would help with the group's fundraising efforts.

Selectmen stood by the decision they made in July, to support the committee and its activities, but not to sponsor it in any way.

They suggested that Whitney talk to the town accountant about setting up a bank account, so people could see where the money they donate is going.

Whitney said the board's decision would not deter her or the 240th anniversary committee in any way. She added that the committee is still looking for additional members. Their next meeting will take place on Thursday, Nov. 9.

+ Selectmen appointed Dondi LaRue to the Senior Tax Work-off Program.

+ Selectmen approved a transfer of $1,300 from the reserve fund to the town accountant's fund. They also approved another transfer from the reserve fund for $1,300 to pay for highway road maintenance.