By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — In an effort to better communicate with citizens, the Casco Board of Selectmen has been considering a second digital sign to be installed along Route 302.

The existing digital sign stands between the Casco Central Fire Station and the Casco Town Office, which is off Meadow Road. However, not every Casco resident travels in that area regularly.

This discussion has been on-going for a few months. The board is still trying to make a decision on where along Route 302 such a sign would be located.

On Tuesday, the selectmen directed the town manager to reach out to the South Casco Post Office, and see what arrangements could be made for the town’s sign to be installed there. The board members concluded that town-owned land or a public place would be preferable.  

Neokraft Signs Inc is the company that provided the town with the existing LED sign and the software to manage the messages, according to Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward.

“We have had very good luck with the sign,” he said. “It would be one program, the same information would go to both signs.”

The cost would be approximately $39,240, Ward said. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be used toward this purchase, he said.

“If you wanted it sooner, the select-board is authorized to spend ARPR funds. If you want to put it in the budget, it would be article on the warrant,” he said.

Ward pitched a couple potential locations to the board.

“This is what we are looking at for options. There are two options: on town-owned property and the other is Cove Communities property,” Ward said.

He added that if the board decided to put it on Cove Communities’ land, there would be consideration with following that entity’s standards and rules for signs.

Selectman Grant Plummer asked about feasibility of erecting the sign near the US Post Office in South Casco.

“I am thinking of somewhere that people would see it,” Plummer said. “I am of the opinion it should be on town-owned property or a public place like that.”

Ward pointed out that the cost would be more on the town-owned lot because it lacked an electrical hookup. 

Chairman Robert MacDonald spoke

“I agree with Grant. Town-owned or public property is better than privately owned. It avoids any being conflict of interest,” he said.

Chairman MacDonald asked Ward to check with the post office to find out who the landlord is.

Ward said whether it is government property or leased to the postal service by someone else, the town would seek a long-term contract in case the land changes hands.

“I think post office is excellent location in Casco,” Plummer said.

A few weeks ago, when the topic was brought up, one resident spoke out against the investment.

Casco citizen Sam Brown, who was in the audience, stepped to the microphone.

“I wanted to share my reflections with the board as you consider this. It seems the spirit of this is really well-founded. It’s about getting voter information out, about what’s going on in the town, and making it easier for more people to have access to what we do,” he said.

“You do make an effort. You make a big effort. At some point, it is the responsibility of the community member to listen, check out the website, come to a meeting, talk to their neighbors,” he said. 

“The sign that we have is very visible. Before we make an investment in another light sign, which further eliminates dark skies that we are lucky to have [to see] the moon and the stars around here, take a moment and think about it,” Brown said. “Reflect on all good work you are doing to get word out.”

“I hope we aren’t being reactive. Is putting up another really bright, expensive light that is expensive to maintain the best idea,” he asked. “And, do we need it?”