MONMOUTH – During the public comment period of Wednesday’s selectmen’s meeting, a resident presented allegations against a member of the board.

Colleen Fournier charged that Leonard Bates took office illegally because he was registered to vote in both Maine and Florida. She presented voter registration documents, a legal opinion and a letter. Reading a statement aloud, she said that Bates “knowingly deceived the townspeople of Monmouth.”

Bates, who has lived in Monmouth for most of his life, owns property in Florida. He said he registered as a voter there to qualify for a homestead exemption. After taking office last month, he sought advice from Maine state officials. Bates said he then refused the homestead exemption and revoked his Florida voter registration.

“I don’t think my intent was to deceive anybody,” he said.

Fournier argued that if Bates was ineligible to run for office, it was unfair that he won the position over other eligible residents. Her husband, Dennis Fournier, was a candidate in that election.

“I am demanding that the Board of Selectmen take appropriate action to rectify this matter,” Colleen Fournier said.

Selectman Caroline Allen said she had checked with the Maine Municipal Association and, based on the information she received, believes that Bates is a legal member of the board.

After hearing the conflicting opinions, selectmen approved a motion to ask the town attorney to render an opinion about Bates’ eligibility. Bates voted in favor of the measure.

Because of the eligibility issue, the board decided to delay election of a chairman until its next meeting.