Woodstock selectboard lowers mil rate

WOODSTOCK — After a brief discussion, the board of selectmen set this year's mil rate at $11.45 per $1,000 valuation, down $1.40 from last year.

This rate will fund the budget approved at Town Meeting and leave $45,000 in overlay to cover any unforeseen problems.

Tax bills will be going out next week.

The town's value has gone up around $40,000,000, with "95 percent of that from the wind turbines and improvements to the CMP substation," said Town Manager Vern Maxfield.

Selectmen reported hearing complaints from many citizens about violations of the Fireworks Ordinance.

"Night after night of having your dog in your lap is a bit much," agreed Chairman Rick Young, who said he has pulled lot of fireworks debris out of Lake Christopher.

One resident in attendance commented that "people are not being sensible, measures have to be taken."

The state bridge inspection report was received and the town will begin looking into costs to update some of the town owned bridges, particularly on Andrews Road.

Selectmen approved spending up to $1,200 from the newest recreation account funded through money returned by a donor after the sale of the old fire station, to update signs and other improvements on the ballfields.

In other news:

•The Woodstock Spring was given satisfactory grades for both June and July, with no e. coli bacteria found.

•Spruce Mountain Wind Power has submitted a Notice of Intent to File a modification of their DEP permit. They are seeking to remove the requirement that a sound monitoring station operate 24/7.

•The G & W Transfer Station Committee will meet Tuesday, July 24 at 5 p.m. in Woodstock.

•Bids for the 1990 squad truck are due August 7.

•Selectmen expressed disbelief as to the efficacy of the state plans for the retaining wall on Route 26.