AUGUSTA — Supporters of saving an old theater in Augusta say they’ve repaid the city $3,000 in taxes and obtained nonprofit status.

Tina Charest, secretary for the Augusta Colonial Theater, said volunteers have boarded up windows to prevent vermin and people from getting in; developed a positive relationship with the owner of the building next door and other downtown neighbors; and cleared litter and raised funds.

The Kennebec Journal reports City Council members seemed pleased with the latest developments. The Council had warned that the building could be torn down if improvements were not made.