RAYMOND – On Tuesday, the Raymond Board of Selectman took the first steps in giving Raymond Beach new life by unanimously voting to solicit proposals from the private sector in hopes of allowing an entity other than the town to take responsibility of the beach.

The beach was temporarily closed in July of this year after e-coli contamination, thought to be caused by dirty diapers and duck droppings in the water, was discovered by the Portland Water District. Upon further inspection of the beach and surrounding area, the town discovered more contamination than first suspected.

Prior to the beach closure, Raymond Public Works would regularly find rotten trash, soiled diapers and hypodermic needles forcing the town to close the beach indefinitely. At the time of closure, board members discussed putting the beach out to bid to private citizens, an idea it wasn’t sure about until they received several responses from eager parties.

“People have expressed interest in privatizing the beach and running it for the town,” said Selectman Joe Bruno. “If we are going to go after that we need to go after RFPs (request for proposals) to hear exactly what they want to do.”

The board has asked Town Manager Don Willard to prepare an outline for the RFPs which would state exactly what the town is looking for in a potential leasee and what they are not. The proposal will explain, in detail, the parking situation, town codes and ordinances regarding the beach area, maintenance by the town and leasee, and further responsibilities of both parties.

If the board does not receive a proposal that it feels works for the town and its resident beachgoers, they may keep the beach closed.

“Receiving RFPs doesn’t obligate us to do anything,” said Bruno. “I don’t want to see any town money put into this beach.”

Selectman Charlie Leavitt reminded the board there are other entities to consider before making anything official.

“Before we get too far into it we should notify the DOT and the Portland Water District,” said Leavitt. “We need to see if the other stakeholders have any concerns.”

Once the selectmen and town manager have prepared an outline acceptable to all parties they will post the official request on the town website and hope for the best.

“I am definitely for putting RFPs out and seeing ideas from people on what to do with it,” said Selectman Lonnie Taylor. “The sky’s the limit.”