The town received a 1944 Oshkosh truck, which will be on display during moderate weather.

FARMINGTON – Selectmen voted Tuesday night to ratify the latest public works bargaining agreement.

Among the main points of the agreement is limiting the town’s share of increases in health insurance premiums.

Effective March 31, 2005, employees will be responsible for any increases in premiums above 2.5 percent. Increases in the yearly clothing allowance and an altered formula for the cost of living allowance were also part of the agreement.

“We are lucky to have such wonderful and dedicated people working for the town,” said board Chairman Mary Wright. “It was good of them to be understanding about how big an issue insurance premiums have become.”

The board formally accepted the gift of a 1944 model Oshkosh truck from donors. The truck was used for more than 40 years before it was finally sold to an individual. Donors repurchased the truck and arranged for its restoration because of its significance as a historical symbol of the town. It will be displayed at the fairgrounds during moderate weather. It will be covered in winter.

In response to a letter received by an official at the University of Maine at Farmington, board members gave approval to a plan that will allow university police to provide assistance to the Farmington Police Department at off-campus locations. The letter explained that new legislation allows for campus security to assist the town at its request.

The board also approved the job description for the newly established position of Fire Rescue Department photographer. Chief Terry Bell said that having an official photographer will be a big help to his department.

“Those pictures can be used in several ways and will be an important training tool for the firefighters,” he said.

May was officially named Foster Care Awareness Month for Farmington. The move came at the request of the Department of Human Services, which is publicizing the need for licensed foster homes locally and throughout the nation.

The board recognized Shane Cody as Farmington Police Department’s employee of the quarter.

“They all do such a good job, and it’s nice to see them recognized,” Wright said of the town’s emergency workers.

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