WILTON — A public hearing and special town meeting to consider an application for a Community Development Block Grant will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Town Office.

The grant is sought to fund an expansion at Barclays Services LLC at Western Maine Development Group on Weld Road. Barclays wants to upgrade the facility, Town Manager Rhonda Irish told selectmen last week. 

Previously a letter of intent was sent to the Community Development Block Grant Program, but all funds were spoken for. At the end of July, the town received notification that about $700,000 was available, she said.

She thought Barclays intended to seek the entire amount.

Because the town makes the application, a public hearing and town meeting are required. If something should happen to the company, the town accepts liability for the grant, she said. 

The application needs to be submitted to the state CDBG program by Sept. 12. 

Barclays has made a commitment to the town, Selectperson Thomas Saviello said, voicing his support.

The effort includes making improvements to the site so it becomes more viable and continues its growth potential, selectboard Chairman Scott Taylor said.

As part of the economic grant program, the company would need to create new full-time positions — one job for about every $30,000 received — for an estimated 24 new jobs, Irish said.

Some selectboard members indicated that the company’s plans included creating more than 24 jobs. Its intent was to make improvements in preparation for the creation of new positions.

The selectboard unanimously agreed to move forward on the grant application.

Townspeople can voice their opinions or ask questions during the hearing Tuesday. They can also submit them in writing prior to the public hearing to Rhonda Irish, Town Manager, 158 Weld Road, Wilton, ME 04294.

Opinions will be included in the grant application.

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