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Select Board authorizes town manager to draft warrant article on future of 'Old Church on the Hill'
Summary
The select board instructed the town manager to work with the town attorney and Maine Municipal Association (MMA) as needed to draft a warrant article that would ask voters whether the board may sell, lease or otherwise transfer the historic 'Old Church on the Hill' under conditions that protect its exterior appearance.
The Town of Buckfield Select Board voted to ask the town manager to draft a warrant article that would seek voter authorization to explore sale or lease options for the town-owned “Old Church on the Hill,” with conditions intended to preserve the exterior historic appearance.
Board members said the building is deteriorating, lacks plumbing and parking, and would be costly for the town to stabilize and maintain without a user. The proposed warrant language will ask voters for permission to negotiate and pursue a sale, lease or gift that includes covenants or conditions — for example, an agreement that the exterior be maintained — and that the Select Board consult with the town attorney and the Maine Municipal Association to ensure legal compliance. The manager said he would draft language, consult the attorney and MMA, and circulate a draft to the board prior to the public hearing schedule; the board asked that the work be prioritized so it could appear on the warrant if feasible.
Board members emphasized the approach would be to seek town-level permission for the Select Board to pursue a disposal under stated conditions; any final transaction would be brought back to voters or follow statutory steps as required. The motion passed by voice vote.
