Plantation updates: Dallas public hearing, dirt road survey, Sandy River transfer-station grant, sticker shortages

At the Feb. 24 Board of Assessors meeting, Dallas Plantation announced an upcoming public hearing with the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) about proposed projects and grant opportunities and reported it is nearing completion of a major survey related to reconstructing its oldest dirt roads. Dallas representatives also said they had a positive experience with the newly selected engineer, Acorn, and with support from the Maine Local Roads Center.

Sandy River Plantation reported it had been awarded grant funding to construct a resource-recovery barn at its transfer station.

Under other business, Dallas Plantation raised recurring shortages of snowmobile registration stickers, saying depletion of Rangeley’s inventory increases demand on neighboring plantations. Sandy River Clerk Ethna Thompson explained sticker allocations follow prior-year issuance, noted some early orders were misdirected by the State and returned, and said she intends to retain the remaining five stickers on hand for Sandy River residents to avoid delivery delays and excess inventory costs. Linda Jones said she will request that the State ensure the Town of Rangeley receives sufficient inventory at the start of the season. Dallas Plantation also asked whether Rangeley’s Friday office closures would continue, noting challenges assisting seasonal community members; the Rangeley Town Manager asked how Plantations determine whether complaints are from Rangeley residents and participants said the feedback is received at the service counters.

Note: The meeting record is a summarized set of minutes and does not include verbatim quotes; the article paraphrases the minutes.