INDUSTRY – In the near future, the thinly populated town of Industry will have a new public holding tank toilet next to Clearwater Lake, but no brand new multi-purpose truck.

Voters gathered in Industry Town Hall on Saturday for the annual town meeting. Instead of gathering at 7 p.m. like in previous years, this year’s meeting was changed to 2 p.m. in hopes of attracting more concerned citizens.

The proposal for the one-ton truck, as well as a dump body, sander and 9-foot plow would’ve cost the town nearly $35,600 over the next six years. The addition of the new four-wheel drive truck would’ve meant easier access and maintenance to certain hard to reach side roads.

“The demand is higher and we needed something lighter and faster to make things happen quicker,” said Fire Chief Joe Paradis, Jr.

Voters debated the current necessity for the truck and also sought alternatives to spending the big chunk of money. Resident Richard Baga suggested amending the article so that the town could purchase a used truck and plow for $14,861.17, but ultimately the decision was to not spend anything at all.

“This is something we will pursue in the future, because there is the growing need,” said Paradis.

Along with the addition of the new toilet, residents were pleasantly surprised when Selectmen Earl Ireland announced that Gary Smith, owner of The Ugly Moose, would be lending a helping hand. Smith, who recently purchased the lakefront store, has decided to donate $1,000 to the town for improving and maintaining the beach front area next to his store, as well as the lake. Residents applauded the friendly gesture.

Members of the town also found themselves one step closer to having raised and appropriated $7,500 to construct a veteran’s memorial located in the same area.

With debate of the proposed truck taking up most of the time, it took nearly three hours for voters to accept the 36 articles in this year’s warrant.

Regaining all of their positions on the Board of Selectmen are Earl Ireland, Carolyn Eaton and Robert Geisser. Martha Wing received the nod as Tax Collector once again, while Cathy Frazier won back her role as Town Clerk and Treasurer. Lastly, as if fire chief wasn’t enough, Paradis will also assume the position of road commissioner.

Only 68 people made it out to vote this year, as compared to more than 200 from last year.

After the recent resignation of SAD 9 School Board member Frank Orcutt, the Board of Selectman appointed Mark Prentiss as his replacement. Prentiss will only serve for one year and will then have to run again next year for the three-year position.

Unlike last year, this year’s meeting brought more laughter and good spirits about town members. Local lawyer Paul Mills was the animated moderator for the day. “It was a great meeting,” said Mills.

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