OXFORD — A local man has vowed to challenge an engineer’s report in a bid to save his home from being torn down.

Leon Morse told selectmen on Tuesday evening he intends to present the town with an alternative analysis on the condition of his bungalow-style home and a plan for how to repair it.

Located at 260 King St., the building has been unoccupied for at least two years and was condemned by engineers in July.

Morse contends it does not pose a fire danger and is in better condition than engineers have led town officials to believe.

His announcement is the latest turn in an ongoing saga between selectmen trying to enforce building codes and Morse, who was first told last November to clean trash around his yard and remove debris on the property. 

Last week, the home was on the cusp of demolition when an order recommended by Town Manager Michael Chammings to hire a construction company to tear down the structure at Morse’s expense was delayed by selectmen.

Selectman Roger Jackson, who argued in favor of giving Morse a last chance, was wary the town could face legal recourse if it went through with the decision. Jackson also said he was hesitant to deprive a property owner of their possessions. 

Maine law allows cities and towns to declare structures that are unsanitary, unstable or fire hazards as “dangerous buildings.” The designation allows the municipality to order the disposal of the structure, but requires a public hearing. 

In Marchfollowing a public hearing, selectmen declared the building dangerous and gave Morse 60 days to clean up the property and secure a sagging roof line. 

Their concerns were supported by Oxford fire Chief Scott Hunter, who said at the time the structure’s roof was in danger of collapse.

In June, engineers from Falmouth-based Associated Design Partners inspected the interior of the building and corroborated those concerns, saying the building was in “imminent” danger of collapse.

During that time, Morse cleared a shed, which had fallen down behind the house and cleared away trash heaped outside, though interior structural work appears not to have happened. 

After the time allowance lapsed, selectmenMorse to remove all personal property from the premises and to tear down the home or they would. 

Morse, who told selectmen he works six days a week and has had limited time to carry out the necessary work, said he intends to bring the building up to code, though the work will likely not be completed until next year. 

“I’ve been trying to clean it up, but it takes time,” Morse said.

Selectmen were skeptical of the promise, and requested a short-term plan for the future. 

“If you have the know-how and money, fix it up before winter,” Peter Laverdiere said.