TURNER — Selectmen set the property tax rate at $14.98 per $1,000 of valuation at their meeting Monday night.

Discussion on the rate centered on the projected general fund balance. Selectman Ralph Caldwell, a local farmer, indicated that while his tax bill was probably one of the highest in town he was hesitant to see the balance fall too low. Selectman Kurt Youland said that since he sold real estate in town he would like to see the rate remain below $15. Selectmen noted that there were several similar towns in Maine with tax rates over $20.

Based on assurance from Town Manager Scott LaFlamme that there would be sufficient funds, selectmen adopted the$14.98 rate proposed by Board Chairman Angelo Terreri.

Fire Chief Michael Arsenault requested authorization from the selectmen to purchase a fire engine to replace the 1989 Engine 1. Selectmen authorized the purchase with funds from the Fire Department equipment fund. Authorization is contingent upon the engine passing inspection and pumping test.

The $75,000 engine is a 2000 Freightliner with 21,000 miles. It is plumbed for a deck gun and is equipped with a foam system, a 1,250 gallon tank and a 1,250 gallon-per-minute pump.

Arsenault said that the purchase would not deplete the equipment fund and that it would have a chance to grow before he expected to request another engine. Assistant Fire Chief Ross Gagne said that he has submitted a grant application for an engine but the awards will not be announced until later. The town puts $35,000 per year into the Fire Department equipment fund.

The town received sealed bids for roadside mowing and rock crushing. The bids were opened by Public Works Director Jack Moultrie and Assessing Clerk Sandra Philipon. As two businesses owned by selectmen submitted bids, those selectmen recused themselves from the award process.

Caldwell Inc., owned by Caldwell, submitted the successful bid of $52.50 per mile of mowing. This was 12 percent lower than the $60 per mile bid from A. Hood and Son and 34 percent lower than the $80.30 per mile bid from TRS Timber. There were only three bidders.

KRY, owned by Youland, was the lowest of three bids received for rock crushing. The crushed rock will be used by the town to make cold mix asphalt for paving. KRY’s bid of $4.79 per cubic yard was 23 percent lower than the $6.25 per cubic yard bid from Pidacks and 36 percent lower than the $7.50 bid from Shaw Brothers.