A new roof for the historic Alna Meetinghouse could come at no new cost to local taxpayers.

Based on a $7,600 estimate a committee received, it appears the approximately $17,000 already raised for the town's historic buildings would more than cover the project.

On January 31 selectmen agreed to ask the Committee for Alna History for a formal proposal to take to the annual town meeting. Tapping reserve funds takes a town vote.

The proposed asphalt shingles, in place of the current wooden ones, would keep an authentic look to the 224-year-old building, Committee Chairman and Town Clerk Amy Warner said.

The committee decided not to pursue a metal roof, which would have lasted longer but cost more and changed the building's look, Warner said following the selectmen's meeting.

The selectmen were pleased that the materials and labor would both be guaranteed for 49 years. Some in the room joked the new roof might outlast them, while First Selectman David Abbott, a Bath Iron Works retiree and champion archer, drew back an imaginary bow and said he planned to win a 2067 archery tournament.

The roof estimate came from Kasey-Jo Roofing, Warner said. The company has done prior work for the town on the old Puddledock and Center schools.

In a January 31 email to Third Selectman David Reingardt, committee member Doreen Conboy stated the current shingles are breaking off and the nails are rusting, but that the roof might last another year. Putting people on the roof to do repairs; however, could cause more damage, according to the email.

“A new roof at this time could certainly be justified,” Conboy wrote.

A wind storm earlier this winter tore off some shingles and part of the ridge cap on the building's top line, leading to the latest discussion of the roof's needs.

Moving ahead with school zone speed limit

The board reviewed standards for 15 mph speed limit signs the town will be placing near the Juniper Hill School on Golden Ridge Road. The signs need to say the times of day, before and after school, that the speed limit is in effect, Reingardt said.

The board agreed to have Road Commissioner Jeff Verney get and install the signs. Abbott estimated they will cost the town approximately $200.

Selectmen have said the school posted speed limits without asking them. The school later apologized and removed the signs.

Fellow board members thanked Reingardt for his research. “We'll finally have some closure on this,” Second Selectman Jonathan Villeneuve said.

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