RUMFORD — Town Manager Carlo Puiia admitted Monday that he made a mistake telling residents to dial 911 if they have concerns about slippery sidewalks.

Puiia was asked by Selectman Greg Buccina at last week's board meeting what residents should do when they need to report icy sidewalks.

Puiia responded that they can voice their concern and request that Public Works sand the sidewalks by calling the Police Department at 364-4551, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

He added that after hours they could call 911 and speak with the Oxford County Regional Communications Center, which is responsible for contacting Public Works.

Puiia said Monday that he realized calling 911 was not correct and instead said residents should call the business line for the communications center at 743-9554.

"I was told to call dispatch after hours and assumed it was 911," Puiia said.

Puiia said he wanted to be sure the correction was made public because he feared residents in other communities who read a Sun Journal article about the meeting would also use 911 for non-emergency purposes.

A dispatch supervisor at the communications center said 911 should only be used in emergency situations where fire departments, emergency medical services and police are needed.

ecox@sunjournal.com