INDUSTRY – Voters turned down purchasing a one-ton truck but approved a toilet next to Clearwater Lake at Saturday’s annual town meeting.

Nearly 50 voters filled Industry Town Hall at 2 p.m., an earlier time that the normal 7 p.m. as town officials sought to attract more 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 money. Resident Richard Baga suggested amending the article so that the town purchase a used truck and plow for only $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.

Voters approved $1,500 as the town’s share of building the new toilet and holding tank with the balance paid by the Clearwater Lake Association.

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 lake front 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 back 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. Paradis will assume the position of road commissioner.

Sixty-eight people made it to the polls this year, compared to more than 200 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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