HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Town Office has reopened to the general public, albeit in a slightly modified way.
After being closed for nearly three months due to COVID-19, the town office has re-opened to the public for registering vehicles, payment of taxes and other municipal business, provided residents call ahead and schedule an appointment.
“It seems to be working really great so far,” said Cathy O’Leary, assistant town manager. “People have been very cooperative and are just happy we are back open.”
Because of social distancing measures, only two customers are allowed in the lobby at the same time. Appointments are required and may be scheduled by calling the town office at 207-532-7111.
The Houlton Town Council recently approved the transfer of $10,500 from the Energy Efficiency Rebate account to renovate the main lobby to provide further safeguards. Building’s Etc. was selected for the construction project, but the work has yet to commence.
“There are many requirements for us to reopen to keep both the public and staff safe,” Houlton Town Manager Marian Anderson said. “We had Buildings Etc. come up and take a look at the town office. They were gracious enough to fit us into their schedule.”
The construction project will include changing an existing half-door with a full-sized door, to provide better protection to the office workers. Plexiglass shields have been installed.
Construction is expected to be completed by the third week of June. The office hopes to remain open during the construction process.
There will be no additional cost to taxpayers for this construction project as the town was awarded an efficiency grant for a heating/cooling system for the Houlton Police and Fire Department. At that time, the town estimated, and budgeted for, a $17,500 rebate through Efficiency Maine. Instead the town received a $27,000 rebate. The remaining $10,500 from that budgeted project has been sitting in an account.
“This is a great idea and a good use of those funds,” Houlton councilor Sue Tortello said.
