CHINA -- Town voters will be asked to allow the town to spend up to $81,500 to buy the lot south of the Town Office, at the intersection of Lakeview Drive and Alder Park Road.

The item was added Monday to the warrant for the March 29 town business meeting.

Irene Belanger, who is a real estate agent, and Joann Austin said they are enthusiastic about the purchase. Both serve on the Comprehensive Planning Committee, which has been discussing land use.

Belanger said $81,500 is a reasonable price.

Austin pointed out that, if the property remains on the market, it could be bought for a purpose not compatible with the Town Office. If the town buys it and later decides to sell it, the town could control who gets it.

But board Chairman Elwood Ellis had reservations. "I just don't like the town to have more property," he said.

Tiffany Glidden also objected, even after Town Manager Daniel L'Heureux assured her that taking funds from undesignated fund balance, or surplus, would have no effect on the tax rate.

Austin persuaded Ellis to join her and Belanger in a recommendation to voters to approve the proposed purchase. Glidden was opposed to the recommendation, though willing to put the issue to voters.

Budget Committee members need to review the request. L'Heureux said he is attempting to schedule a Budget Committee meeting for Thursday evening or sometime Friday or Saturday.

In other business Monday:

• L'Heureux reported that China residents' 911 calls will be answered by the Central Maine Regional Communications Center in Augusta after the sheriff's office dispatch center closed Tuesday afternoon, even though China has not joined the new regional center.

Selectmen are considering an agreement with Somerset County instead. If it would work, using Somerset County's center would cost about $8,000 less for the first year.

• Selectmen postponed action on snowplowing contractors' request for a rate increase to cover higher fuel costs, citing lack of information.

• Because Feb. 18 is the Presidents Day holiday, the next selectmen's meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19. The Town Office and transfer station both will be closed Feb. 18.