The historic Alna Meetinghouse has withstood every element nature has thrown at it for 224 years. However, a recent strong windstorm managed to rip some pieces off the roof of the tall, yellow town gem on Route 218.

The Committee for Alna History, which helps preserve and maintain historic town-owned buildings, is looking into the damage. The wind tore off some shingles and part of the ridge cap on the building's top line.

The main concern is whether or not rain and melting snow will leak inside, Town Clerk and Committee Chairman Amy Warner said.

Once that's known, the committee can determine what repairs are needed, Warner told selectmen January 3. About $5,362 remains on hand for the work under the current budget.

The town has another $11,580 on reserve for the meetinghouse and other historic buildings. However, tapping that money would take a town vote.

The annual town meeting is in March. Selectmen discussed possibly calling a special town meeting, but said they first need to hear back from the committee about repair costs.

“If we have to, we have to. It's not a big deal,” First Selectman David Abbott said about holding a special town meeting.

A new roof may be sought at some point to preserve the meetinghouse, Warner said. The committee could look for a grant to help with costs, and would look into a number of options, from various types of shingles to a metal roof, she said.

Steel wouldn't have to be replaced like shingles would, and it would take less labor because it can go on over the existing materials, resident Chris Cooper said.

“I'm just worried people would say, 'Oh, (the roof's) got to be historically accurate,' but that could be cost-prohibitive,” Warner said.

The 1789 meetinghouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. It gets occasional use for events, tours and special town meetings in the warm months.

Seeking new animal control

Alna Animal Control Officer Marla Blagdon resigned for personal reasons, effective January 17, Warner said.

Former ACO Toby Stockford said he would do it again only if the town couldn't get anyone else. The board directed Warner to put out a town email about the opening. They also planned to ask former selectman David Seigars if he would consider taking the position.

The job pays $12 an hour for up to $1,500 a year, Warner said. The town will cover the cost of any training that's required, selectmen said.

Susan Johns can be reached at 207-844-4633 or sjohns@wiscassetnewspaper.com.