The town of Levant will have a town office; 119 townspeople voted Saturday morning by nearly 3 to 1 to use $62,500 from the general fund and to borrow $62,500, to be added to the $50,000 appropriated for the town office at the last two town meetings.

A parcel of land a little more than 3 acres has been purchased with part of that $50,000, and the proposed building would cost no more than $125,000.

The 87-32 vote came after nearly 1 1/2 hours of discussion which began with Gary Adams, former selectman, asking Marilyn Mullen, the town clerk, how much money was actually in the general fund. Mullen stated that by year end, $379,000 would be available from that fund and that the town was debt-free.

Still, Frank Duffy commented, “times are not good. The Chamber of Commerce has finally said we are in a recession. Let’s pick up the land, but let’s just slow down and take it easy.”

Ray Bemis, fire chief, said, “I’ve heard this story before. It’s time to progress and move forward.”

John Thibodeau, one the town’s five selectmen, pointed out that the architect for the project had advised the board that this was a good time for the project as contracting costs are running 15 percent lower right now. He added, “It’s time now and long overdue. The people have voted in a town manager and we need a place to house him.”

Bob Pullen, chairman of the board of selectmen, pointed out that at the last town meeting, the people had approved converting to a town-manager form of government by 3 to 1. He added, “We also need to house our town records. They are currently stored at Marilyn Mullen’s house and the fire station. By Maine State Statute, these must be in a fireproof vault. If we go for temporary housing, there will be a big price tag.”

When asked if someone from the school board could comment on the possibility of using the school as a town office, Joe Quinn stated that the board was in the process of purchasing land for a new school and was considering using the school for a Superintendant of Schools’ office and possibly some special-education needs. Office space for the superintendent is being rented above a video store in Carmel.

Quinn also commented that the application for state funding of a new school had been rejected. In a later interview, Quinn clarified that the board had not yet reapplied for state funding, although members do plan to reapply.

The fourth article accepted was for $10,000 for legal fees. Board chairman Pullen stated that they had hired a new attorney, Tom Russell of Mitchell and Stearns, to represent the town in several legal matters before the board. These include establishing clear title on the land on which the salt-sand shed was built in 1987. The land for the proposed town hall is next to the salt-sand shed.