Wilton voters have approved a $700,000 grant for Barclays call center following a public hearing and special town meeting this week.

About 15 residents turned out Tuesday night to ask questions and approve the measure, said Town Clerk Diane Dunham.

Under the terms of the grant, one person must be hired for each $30,000 received, the beneficiary having to hire additional people.

The town is not guaranteed to get the grant, but if it does, the money will go toward updating the call center at the Western Maine Development industrial complex on Weld Road in preparation for expansion.

Dunham said while the money is for Barclays, the town has to apply on behalf of the call center because only municipalities can be awarded the money under the program rules. The money comes through the Department of Economic Development and is awarded through a Community Development Block Grant.

The money would be doled out by the town to Barclays each time they had a particular expense in the process.

“The money comes through the town. Barclays will get a bill and we will get the money and pay the bill,” she said. “They have to show where money came from and where it’s being spent.”

The money is for plans to expand the building and prepare for new employees, making the building more compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act, upgrading technology and otherwise improving the business.

In a separate matter, Wilton officials are also consulting with their attorney on possible development incentives for Western Maine Development, which owns the complex which houses the Barclays operation.

The board is considering a tax increment financing district and a credit enhancement agreement for the complex, which would shelter some of the future property tax dollars from the site and divert some to the town for economic development, while allowing the business to use part of the tax revenue for site improvements leading to further development.

Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252

kschroeder@centralmaine.com