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September 1, 2010

Embden approves building costs

By Erin Rhoda erhoda@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

EMBDEN -- The pipes in the former Embden Elementary School building won't freeze this winter and the building will be insured.

About 50 residents gathered Monday night to raise about $23,000 from taxes to support the operational costs of the building, which closed as a school in June.

The $22,710 will be used for heating oil, electricity, water, fire-alarm maintenance and insurance, among other upkeep items.

The funds will last until town meeting in March 2011 when more will be known about the building's long-term costs, Selectman Charles Taylor said.

In the meantime, a committee is gathering information about the building's future use, and it's looking to Mercer for ideas and assistance, said Selectman Wayne McLaughlin, also a committee member.

Mercer Elementary School closed in June 2008. It now operates as a community building that holds dances, comedy shows, craft fairs and bingo, in addition to the Town Office and library. It also rents space for events.

While the Embden committee has not put together a plan for its building, it is helpful to see what routes other towns have taken, McLaughlin said.

"We're kind of up in the air," he said. While there is no precise timeline, "We want to get something going as soon as we possibly can."

The committee will formulate its recommendations for residents at Town Meeting in March, Taylor said.

Residents voted to form the committee at a public meeting in July. Then, residents expressed their views on what should be done with the building. Ideas included turning it into a community center, using it as the town's school or selling it.

Erin Rhoda -- 474-9534

erhoda@centralmaine.com

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