LIVERMORE FALLS – Citizens were in a spending mood Wednesday night at New Norland Grange Hall as they approved the higher of nearly every article that carried two recommendations, following the Budget Committee rather than the selectmen.

Among the approvals were $39,000 for capital improvements, $10,000 for fire engine No. 3, and $62,887 for the Fire Department.

The capital improvement account includes $10,000 for moving town offices into space now occupied by the court. Voters questioned the wisdom of the move, noting that the lower portion of the building had been large enough for both police and town offices when it was built.

Apparently they were swayed by a plea from Faith Nichols, sewer clerk, who explained that the town offers many more services there now, and that the police are crowded with no room for evidence storage.

Another motion increased the library budget to $52,000, higher than both the selectmen’s and Budget Committee’s recommendations.

Selectmen objected to the increased spending. “We’re constantly plagued with `All you selectmen do is raise taxes,'” said Selectman Ken Jacques. “We’re looking like the bad guys.”

They also objected to a cut in insurance, saying it tied their hands on negotiations.

The meeting went smoothly for several items, then slowed during extended discussion, proposed amendments and hand votes as citizens made it clear they wanted services despite the cost.

Former Selectman Clayton Putnam attempted to lower proposed expenditures several times, succeeding only once, reducing the insurance account by about $34,000. This was aimed specifically at health insurance; the town pays most of the cost of the premiums, with employees covering a small amount.

Moderator Darryl Brown kept the comments under control, announcing the election results and complimenting Laura Alvino for being the subject of the dedication in this year’s town report.

Re-elected by voters on Tuesday were Ken Jacques and Bill Demaray as selectmen, Kristal Flagg as town clerk/treasurer, and Elaine Smith and Rhonda Drake as school directors. Also named to the school board was Damon Rodzen, who had five write-in votes.