BUCKFIELD – Town Manager Cindy Dunn was honored with a dozen pink roses in appreciation for her years of service to Buckfield at the annual town meeting on Wednesday night.

She has been a town employee since 1983 and has served as town manager since 1991. Selectman Skip Stanley presented the flowers as a token of appreciation for her dedication and hard work for the town.

Selectman Oscar Gammon said, “This lady has given far and beyond more than we could have ever expected from any official we could have ever hired.” The crowd applauded Dunn.

Dunn will remain as town manager until a replacement can be found.

Also at the meeting, recreation spokesperson Jillian Chabe fielded questions on the proposed Buckfield Recreation Memorial Park’s request for $5,000. Chabe explained that with the town giving the matching funds, the Recreation Committee would be able to pursue a state grant from the Department of Conservation that would match up to $50,000. Chabe estimates their sources as: $5,000 from the town, $15,150 from $10,000 that had been invested in 1996 from the will of Calvin Wells, and the remainder from a private donation.

The project’s plans call for swings, slides, a merry-go-round, sandbox, basketball area, a climbing rock wall, benches and picnic tables, an it may include other features. The town approved the funds needed.

Voters approved the Municipal Center Landscaping Project, which means the town will borrow about $100,000. This project will provide about 70 new parking spaces and exterior lighting for the grounds, handicapped parking in the rear, paving of the area, and a recreation field access road designed not to interfere with the fire station. It will also create a green space in the center of the site. The town will be accepting donations of green plants for landscaping. The project is expected to begin in March.

Dunn explained the increase in the solid waste and recycling account as more tonnage is being delivered to the center. Also, she cited an increase in disposal of tires and construction material. The town has been dipping into a contingency fund to supplement the account, and it is nearly depleted.

Sumner carries 35 percent of the cost of operating the center. Stanley told voters that the board is presently conferring with Sumner selectmen over ways to cut costs.