Owner William Sprague, who lives on Cape Cod, did not object to the decision and told the board that he is in the process of receiving bids for the work.
"It's going to come down," Sprague said. "There's no question in my mind."
In June, Sprague told town leaders he would have the building demolished by the end of July after inspectors found numerous issues including broken and open windows, missing siding and trim, water damage to the ceiling and floors and extensive mold damage.
Sprague did not tear down the building last month and did not reply to multiple attempts by the town to contact him until receiving a certified letter on July 27. Sprague and Building Inspector John Erickson met last week when Sprague said that he would hire a local contractor to raze the home prior to last night's meeting.
"There has to be a set schedule," Selectman Brian Murray said. "Otherwise, we're going to be trapped in this situation that has gone on for four years. The board and town have been very accommodating to the detriment of your neighbors."
Selectman William Buckley said after the meeting that Sprague has a financial incentive to hire a contractor to tear it down because he can do it cheaper than the town could. If the town tears it down, the costs would be recovered through a lien on the property.
"I think we've hit the point where it's time to do this," Buckley said.
In other business, selectmen appointed Assistant Town Accountant Zachary Taylor the new town accountant, effective Sept. 19. Taylor replaces John Pyne Jr., whose last day was July 29 but officially retires in September after using his vacation time.
The board set Taylor's salary at $63,832 and will enter into a one-year oral contract with him.
Selectmen unanimously recommended to the Personnel Board that Erickson, who was hired as the town's new building commissioner effective in September, receive the same salary as Taylor.
Buckley said he felt Erickson should be compensated one step higher, or about $3,200 more, than Taylor because he has worked for the town longer.
"I think it demonstrates a commitment by the community," Buckley said.
Murray said: "Times being what they are, I would feel more comfortable keeping both on equal footing."
The board also approved a strengthened carnival policy formed after neighbors complained about an East Main Street carnival in June.
Selectmen also authorized the town to borrow $2.25 million - mostly for the high school field work - from UBS Financial Services. The New York company came in with the lowest interest rate at 2.6 percent.
The board set Oct. 24 as the date for a special Town Meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall, 52 Main St. The warrant will be open until Sept. 15.
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