LISBON

The Town Council halted and rescheduled a public hearing on future of the Worumbo Mill after being blasted by residents at a meeting Tuesday.

The Town Council wanted to present information on their proposal to issue up to $1 million in bonds so the town can purchase and demolish the mill; and to hear and answer questions from the public, as well as their opinions on what the town should do.

Town Manager Steve Eldridge said the town faces an estimated $2.3 million in repairs to the roof, exterior walls, skylights and other needed work at the mill, which was built of concrete in the 1920s.

However Tuesday, Eldridge said the council was never able to hear questions, share information or have a dialogue, as about six or seven members of the public criticized the council for about 20 minutes about bringing the proposal forward — objections including the price tag and making the mill a priority over other needs in town.

Eldridge estimated there were about 75 people in attendance, filling the meeting room and spilling into the hallway.

The rescheduled public hearing on Sept. 10 will start at 7 p.m. at the Lisbon Community School.

The hearing will be more structured and include a media presentation and an agenda once the meeting is called to order, with presentations from the town’s economic development director, town planner, codes enforcement officer and Eldridge.

dmoore@timesrecord.com

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