Oxford may adopt PACE program

OXFORD — The board of selectmen approved the inclusion of two articles on the town warrant that will allow Oxford residents to access low-interest loans to make their homes more energy-efficient.

The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program from Efficiency Maine Trust provides eligible homeowners with loans from $6,500-$15,000 to make energy- efficient improvements to their homes.

In order for residents to access the loans, towns are required to pass an ordinance that establishes a PACE program.

According to information provided to the board from Efficiency Maine, more than 100 towns across the state have passed PACE ordinances, representing 59 percent of the state's population.

Michael Chammings said that some people in Oxford were interested in pursuing loans through the program, and some surrounding towns had already adopted PACE.

"The town has some liability, but there is no cost to it," said Chammings. "It's a little bit of work on our end ... but then that allows anybody that wants to make their home more efficient to go after those grants and loans."

In other news, the board:

• Renewed a pawn broker's license for Pa's Tradin' Company.

• Accepted a donation of $500 for the fire equipment account and $125 from the Oxford Baseball Association for the guide wire replacement account.

• Approved the appointment of Ballot Clerks for 2012-2014.

• Approved the appointment of John Allen, Donald Thayer and Denise Landsperg to the Planning Board.