Lebanon’s hiring of a security guard at town’s transfer station leaves questions within the community
LEBANON, Maine —
Last week, the town of Lebanon approved the hiring of a security officer to work at the town’s transfer station without providing much of an explanation.
On Aug. 11, the town’s select board made and approved the motion following an executive session with the board’s members. An executive session is a closed discussion not seen or heard by the public.
Ahead of the executive session, a member said, “We aren’t going to say why, but whether or not we do it should be public.”
Another member added that it needs to be done, but only temporarily, suggesting at least a month. A different member questioned whether they need “one up there and one down here.”
The town office is right down the road from the transfer station.
On Aug. 15, at a special town meeting, residents asked members if the money for the guard was going to come out of the contingency fund that was being discussed for an increase.
The board said they were unsure and stated that it could come from the fund or outside sources.
On Wednesday, representatives from both the town office and transfer station could neither confirm nor deny the presence of armed guards at both locations. Multiple select board members did not respond when asked for comment.