KINGFIELD — The issue of the town's subsurface wastewater system and the related property acquisition bond was a topic of discussion at the Kingfield Selectmen's meeting Monday, Dec. 1.

"It was reported," Administrative Assistant Greg Davis said, "that Poland Spring paid their yearly taxes. Nestlé's 2008 Property Tax Payment was received on Nov. 24, totaling $232,953.88. Of that amount, $221,883.72 is TIF (Tax Increment Financing) income. Deducting Nestlé's TIF/Gilmore property payment of $123,753.49, the net income to the town is $98,130.23, from which the bond payment, etc. is to be paid," Davis said in his report.

The wastewater project, as reported, has been completed. The system had recently been tested, pumping 30,000 gallons from the now operating bottling plant.

Davis reported that the subsurface system was constructed for far less money then anticipated. The original bond was issued for $1,040,000 and may be reduced to about $600,000 as a result of final costs to the town. As a result, members discussed various bond payment options including paying it off as soon as possible with a shorter term as opposed to paying off the bond with a payment schedule that could last as long as 20 years as anticipated. The bonding issue was tabled until further written documentation was received for the selectmen's review.

At Monday's meeting, Davis presented an option that would pay off the bond in a shorter than 20-year period (approximately 13 years) at the original yearly payments.

However, board members wanted to see more options. Selectman Neal McCurdy said repetitively that he'd like options to do things with TIF money and did not want to see them shorten the payment bond too much which could prevent them in using some TIF money for the town's use if needed.

Members agreed that they wanted Davis to develop a series of written financing options on paper for further consideration.

Jack McKee, current alternate to the town's Appeals Board, was appointed as a full member. That evening selectmen agreed to name new alternates to the board and decided to appoint residents Mark Lopez and Terry Coffin.

Treasurer/Town Clerk Leanna Targett clarified the administration of some vacation time, sick day and insurance matters with the board. She was also present to discuss town office hours with the upcoming holidays.

More than likely the town office will close on Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 12 p.m. and not reopen until the following Monday. McCurdy was vocal in delivering options for the front office staff to accommodate Christmas schedules.

Also discussed were complaints received concerning pet owners not cleaning up after pets when frequenting town park areas. "One option under consideration," Davis said, "is to ban all dogs from these areas altogether, because of the ongoing safety/sanitary concerns. The matter will be discussed with Playground Committee members before action is taken."

Board members discussed the Mt. Abram student submittals in the town's logo contest. Town officials are currently seeking designs for an official logo to demonstrate the community's heritage. The logo will be used in its letterhead and other correspondence.

Selectman John Dill motioned to hire Lee-Ann Provincher as the town's new part-time Tax Collector/Deputy Clerk. That motion was supported unanimously. Twelve applicants applied for the position. Davis reports that she will start three-days a week in the town office on Dec. 15.

Davis noted that the regular Annual Town of Kingfield meeting is scheduled for March 7, 2009. Nomination papers for those seeking to run for selectman will be available as of Dec. 15, 2008 and must be returned by Jan. 21, 2009 with no less then 25 signatures and no more then 30. John Dill's selectman seat is available as he's decided to retire after many productive years in serving the town.

Financial requests and town report articles are due by Dec. 31 for consideration of the Budget Committee and Town officials.