Turner board reiterates its opposition to land sale
TURNER — The Board of Selectmen vowed Monday night to pursue legal action to stop School Administrative District 52's sale of 73 acres to Greene.
The decision came after an hour-long executive session.
Turner officials recently filed a lawsuit to halt the deal, saying the price was far below market value and is not in the best interest of Turner's taxpayers.
“Turner’s Board of Selectmen maintains that MSAD 52’s pending sale of 73 acres in Greene for $40,000 neglects the best interests of the town’s taxpayers and is setting aside funds to pursue a legal course of action to halt the sale, if necessary,” according to an email from Town Manager Kurt Schaub.
The land was purchased in 1991 for around $83,000 to build a school, but it was never built. The land is currently assessed by Greene at $73,000, according to Schaub.
The school board voted Feb. 25 to sell the parcel to Greene.
Turner officials maintain they did not find out about the deal until March 23, leaving them only two days to officially object to the sale.
A special meeting last week by SAD 52 was intended to provide Greene, Leeds and Turner selectmen an opportunity discuss the matter. It yielded no resolution.
“The selectmen still believe the best solution will result from a joint meeting where all parties are encouraged to openly participate," Schaub said in the email. "Steps will be taken, however, to preserve the town’s interests through whatever course of action develops.”
A preliminary hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 1.
In other business Monday, the board:
• Decided not reappoint Public Works Director Jack Moultrie, who was informed the town wanted to go in a different direction. Moultrie has been involved in public works for 36 years, the past four in Turner. He said he will be “pursuing other interests.”
• Heard from Mary Briggs and John Zocchi, who reviewed their recommendations for preserving the town’s historic buildings.
• Heard from Fire Chief Rodney Guptill, who reported the number of junior firefighters has risen from one to three.
• Awarded the old pickup truck to Brian Allen for his bid of $3,060.
• Awarded the firetruck to Gene Jordan for his bid of $2,005.