By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — One resident said she came to the Casco Community Center to vote in support of an ambulance purchase. She knew it was an expensive vehicle but the department needed it. An ambulance is something a town cannot do without, she said. 

About 15 residents plus the five selectmen showed up for the Casco Special Town Meeting on Tuesday, during which time $305,000 was allocated for a new ambulance.

In a past presentation, Chief Brian Cole said he thought he could get the ambulance for much less than the amount requested.

On Tuesday night, the only other Warrant Article was also approved, earmarking up to $575,000 for the Memorial Field Park recreational complex.

Rather than taking out a bond, the town will use money from the Unassigned Fund Balance during the 2020 fiscal year and the 2021 fiscal year.

The remaining work — to be finished from May through October of this year — includes drainage, multi-purpose field, irrigation, gravel walking paths, field lighting and electrical work, according to the documents handed out to the public.

In 2021, the work list will include a parking lot with striping and lighting, curbs, rails, signage, fencing and landscaping.

On Tuesday, resident Joanne Vail asked how much money is currently in the Unassigned Fund.

Casco Town Manager Courtney O’Donnell answered the question.

First she said it was hard to get an exact amount because she did not have the most recent audit.

The rough estimate is: $2,653,570, she said.

Vail asked what the savings would be compared to taking out a bond. She was told that the savings would be around $400,000.

The voters agreed to use money from the Unassigned Fund Balance top pay for improvements to the Memorial Field Park.

This vote was followed by a motion to adjourn. Therefore, including the nomination of moderator Rick Sykes, the special town meeting was wrapped up about 10 minutes after it began.