OXFORD – Selectmen voted 3-2 Thursday to allow town employees to wash their personal vehicles at the new public safety building on Route 26.

Roger Smedberg and Floyd Thayer were opposed to the practice, contained in a policy outlining nonmunicipal use of equipment and water at town buildings.

The vote ended several months of controversy that arose when a resident questioned the practice after witnessing a town employee washing his camper on town property.

Town Manager Michael Huston presented two draft policies for the board’s consideration. Huston’s proposed policy would have prohibited fire, rescue or police personnel from washing personal vehicles. It also prevented the public safety workers from using town tools or equipment to work on their vehicles, except in emergencies.

The second draft policy, which was passed by the board, incorporated changes as suggested by public safety department heads. The washing would be allowed, but only at the new police, fire and rescue building, and not while any town employee is on duty.

Only cars or pickup trucks owned by the employees are covered under the policy. No campers, recreational vehicles, snowmobiles, ATVs, four wheelers or commercial vehicles will be allowed for washing, the policy states.

Violations of the policy will result in discipline, with a second violation possibly leading to suspension without pay for up to two weeks. Three violations could result in the person being fired, the policy states.

The policy also gives nonprofit organizations the right to apply to use the public safety building or the North End Fire Station for car washes and/or bake sales, with a limit of two events per year. The events must not, however, be connected to a political cause, candidate or issue, or be held to raise money for a religious purpose.

Selectman Mike Thompson said it made sense to adopt a “common sense” policy that had been reviewed by department heads. He said those in charge and the employees under them should handle the privilege of using town water and equipment in a responsible fashion.

“If it gets to be a problem, they can handle it on an individual basis,” he said. But he didn’t see the need for the town to dictate when and where the washing takes place. To Thompson, it was more of an issue of “Keep it simple, stupid,” he said.

Smedberg did not comment Thursday on the policy, but has made it known he thinks the practice of using water at the stations to wash personal vehicles should stop. Traditionally, the car-washing was seen as a perk, or way of thanking volunteer emergency workers for the work they do.

ggeraghty@sunjournal.com

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