GREENE – The contractor that built Greene’s new fire station will have to wait a little longer for a final payment, at least until selectmen are satisfied the roof will not leak again.

Selectmen voted 4-1 Monday night not to pay a $43,825 bill to the general contractor Monday night. Selectman Kevin Mower cast the dissenting vote.

The board will revisit the matter Dec. 29. The town owes $72,486 to the general contractor, Glen Builders of North Conway, N.H.

The Fire Department recently dedicated the new station.

The roof recently leaked and the contractor repaired the roof.

Several selectmen supported removing a check to Glen Builders from the warrant authorizing bill payments. Some board members said they want to see what happens with the forecasted rain and melting snow later this week.

“I’d be in favor of taking that part off the warrant, so the others (bills) can be paid,” said Selectman Maurice “Moe” Levasseur.

Selectman Timothy Doyle called the action “leverage” to make sure the roof is repaired immediately if it leaks again.

In other business, the board discussed the possible need for a larger budget surplus as the year-end balance forward appears to be low with about $270,000 in unpaid taxes for the year.

Town Manager Stephen Eldridge said the town is running very close financially, but should meet obligations for bills and payroll.

“Our budget this year is probably tighter than it’s ever been,” Eldridge said. “They say the economy is improving. I don’t necessarily see that.”

In another matter, the board appointed Diana Morgan to fill a position on the school board until the annual town meeting in March.

Several selectmen said it was a difficult decision between Morgan and Deborah Dupuis. Both candidates interviewed for the appointment and both are viewed as highly qualified.

Before the vote was taken, Levasseur said, “I would hope that which ever one of the applicants for the school board appointment would consider one of the other boards we have in town. They would both be assets to the town.”