By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Fire Chief Glen Garland was given approval to purchase a UTV (utility terrain vehicle) from the Town of Naples with donation funds his department had accrued, he thought adding “tracks” to the machine would need to wait “for a year or so.”

Looking at the cost to add some additional features (like a “bed” that attaches to the rear of the vehicle creating more carrying space or a place to attach a basket containing an injury person) to the UTV, as well as purchasing a trailer to transport it and store it, Chief Garland could see he was “coming up a little short” on funding.

“I thought that it was going to be a piecemeal project,” Chief Garland said.

To his complete surprise, Chief Garland received two major donations enabling him pull the entire project in one swing.

Mark Lopez made a visit to Chief Garland’s office and “chit-chatted” about some ideas regarding the fire department. Shortly after, Wes Gorman stopped by and offered to donate a trailer. After Gorman left, Lopez asked Chief Garland a few questions regarding the UTV.

“Basically, what we were trying to accomplish,” Chief Garland said. “I thought he was just asking questions as a citizen, trying to get some information. He came back a couple of hours later and handed me a check.”

Lopez donated $6,000 to purchase the John Deere Gator.

“I told him we have donation money for this and that’s why I’m proceeding (to buy the UTV from Naples). He says, ‘I know, just please put this toward it.’ That was a game changer. It’s fantastic the support that this community gives us.”

Connection Help: Two applications ($6,171.35 and $3,203.15) for one-time payments to assist property owners to connect to the town’s wastewater system were approved.

The program provides financial assistance to low-income, single-family property owners in Bridgton to connect to the new wastewater system. Assistance applications are available at the town office. The Select Board reviews applications and votes to approve funding at their first meeting of the month. Awards can be for 100%, 75% or 50% based on income.

For Assistance: The General Assistance Office is open for applications on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Applications for assistance, except in cases of emergency, will only be accepted during these designated times. Blank application forms are available for pickup during regular office hours.

Taxes: Tax foreclosure notices were issued on Dec. 9. It is imperative that payment for 2022 taxes is received in full by the specified deadline to avoid foreclosure proceedings. If you are uncertain about the status of your taxes, please contact the town office for assistance.

Dog registration is available both in-office and online through Jan. 31, 2025. Beginning Feb. 1, 2025, a state-imposed late fee of $25 will apply.