BUCKFIELD — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night accepted the resignation of Public Words foreman Phil Savage, who wrote that he’s tired of the attacks on his character and work ethic.

Savage has worked for the department for the past 15 years and his resignation is effective immediately, but his pay will continue until Oct. 12.

“Unfortunately, for the past several years there has been an atmosphere of distrust and anger, perpetuated by a minority of the townspeople as well as the Board of Selectmen, directed at the Public Works crew,” Savage wrote in his Sept. 25 letter to Town Manager Dana Lee. “Rumors, allegations, false perceptions and outright lies have continuously undermined every aspect of my job,” he said.

“Time and time again, allegations regarding me would be brought to the attention of the town manager by one of the selectmen supposedly receiving a complaint. The town manager would then conduct an investigation, and find the allegation to be completely false,” he wrote.

“This hostile environment has at times caused mental distress for both my family and I. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that no matter what I do, or how well I perform my duties, my character and work ethic has been defamed to the point that I will always be subjected to unwarranted criticism and accusations,” he  wrote in the one-page letter.

“It is my sincere hope that the Board of Selectmen will someday realize what dedicated people they have working for this town, and will make a conscious effort to support them rather than undermine them as they have done so often in the past.”

Savage also mentioned Lee in the letter, saying he has enjoyed working with him. “Words cannot express my deep appreciation for your support during these difficult times,” he said.

Savage did not attend the meeting, but a copy of his letter was given to each selectman. None of them responded to his comments.

Moving on through the agenda, the board voted to set the tax rate at $20.40 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The previous rate was $19.20.

Selectmen voted not to maintain McAlister Road past the cemetery. For weeks residents on the road have requested that the road be maintained to CMP pole No.  15, which is 3,130 feet from Route 117.

Board Chairman Robin Buswell recused himself from the vote.

Selectman Martha Catevenis said there was too much that isn’t known about the road and what had been done over the years. She also questioned the distances and how they were calculated.

The board awarded a $20,750 contact to Bancroft Construction of Paris to rebuild the front steps of the municipal building.

The board accepted the funding recommendations of the Social Services Committee as follows: Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, $150; Community Concepts, $1,807; Rural Community Action Ministry, $1,700; SeniorsPlus, $300; Western Maine Transportation, $500; and Western Maine Veterans, $175. Committee member Cynthia Dunn said the awards were based on the level of service provided to Buckfield residents.

The board appointed Glen Holmes to the Board of Appeals and accepted the application from Jason Rowe for a liquor license for his restaurant, Captain Bly’s Tavern, on Route 117.

RSU 10 Superintendent Tom Ward told selectmen there will be a school board meeting Oct. 22 at the Buckfield Junior/Senior High School.

There will be a hearing on the maximum housing allowances for General Assistance at 6 p.m. Nov. 6.

Buswell said there are openings on the Road Committee, Planning Board and Beautification Committee.

BUCKFIELD – The Board of Selectmen accepted the resignation of Public Works foreman Phil Savage in good standing Tuesday night. Savage has worked in the public works department for the past fifteen years. HIs resignation was accepted effective immediately with pay until Oct 12.

The Board voted not to maintain McAlister Road past the cemetery. For weeks residents who live on the road have requested that the road be maintained to CMP pole number 15 which is 3130 feet from Route 117.

Selectman Buswell recluse d himself from the vote and Selectman Catevenis said there was too much not known about the road and what had been done over the years. She also questioned the distances and how they were derived at.

The Board accepted the recommendations of the Social Services committee giving Androscoggin HOme Care and Hospice $150, Community Concepts $1,807, Rural Community Action MInistry $1700, Seniors Plus $300, Western Maine Transportation $500 and Western Maine Veterans $175.Committee member Cindy Dunn said the awards were based on the level of service provided the residents of Buckfield.

The Board appointed Glen Holmes to the Board of Appeals and accepted the application of Jason Rowe for a liquor license for his restaurant on Route 117.

Dr. Tom Ward spoke to the group before the selectmen meeting on RSU 10. There will be a RSU 10 Board meeting at the Buckfield Jr. Sr. HIgh School on October 22.

Town clerk Cindy Dunn gave the Board three options for setting the mil rate.

the Board voted for a rate of .20.40 per thousand of valuation, with an overlay of $3601.01 subject to a slight change when all properties were evaluated.The rate was 19.20 last year.

There will be a hearing on the maximum housing allowances for General Assistance on NOvember 6 at 6:00 pm. on the changed numbers.

Chairman Buswell said there are opportunities to serve on the Road Committee, the Planning board, the Beautification Committee and others.

The Board awarded the bid to Bancroft Construction from south Paris for rebuilding the front steps of the Municipal building for $20,07.50.