Special town meeting in Brownville May 16

BROWNVILLE – The purchase of a new truck, funding for tourism development and a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant face voter action at a special town meeting next week.

Selectmen and the budget committee have recommended that the town borrow up to $105,000 over a five-year period to purchase a six-wheel truck for the Public Works Department, according to Town Manager Sophia Wilson.

Wilson said town officials also have asked that residents approve the use of $10,000 from the undesignated fund for tourism development-related activities.

The money will give town officials a pot of money for such projects as signs, construction of an informational kiosk, the town’s Web site and an oral history project, she said Thursday. The funds also could be used as a local match for tourism grants, Wilson explained.

Since the town is in the final round of a Community Development Block grant process for a $250,000 housing assistance grant, residents will be asked to approve the funds if and when they become available.

Brownville was the lead applicant for the grant that would also encompass Williamsburg, Barnard, Orneville, Milo and Lagrange. Selectmen plan to meet after the special town meeting to adopt a proposed parking ordinance.

Wilson said the selectmen have the authority to adopt the document without town meeting approval. The ordinance outlines restrictions and penalties.

The special meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at the Brownville Elementary School.