DURHAM – Selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to support a resolution urging the governor and the Legislature to “immediately” implement the statewide education funding referendum passed June 8.

The referendum directed the state to pay 55 percent of education costs, including special education.

Although selectmen must abide by the spending plan approved at town meeting, they said they support using a minimum of 90 percent of the additional revenues realized from the education funding measure to reduce the town’s property taxes in 2005.

Selectmen said they are committed to achieving real tax relief, and they signed letters to be sent to Gov. John Baldacci, Senate President Beverly Daggett and House Speaker Patrick Colwell.

In other action, at the urging of Selectman Daryl Pratt, it was agreed to look into the procedure for adopting a mass gathering ordinance, something Pratt said is needed.

“It’s just a matter of time” before something comes up, he said.

Marquis Signs of Lewiston was awarded the contract for a new sign outside the town office for $720.

The annual Urban Rural Initiative Program certification was signed, requiring the town to spend $61,320 received from the state for capital improvement of town roads.

Surveyor John Mann reported on his findings on 10.5 acres on Swamp Road, believed to be town-owned by virtue of unpaid taxes in the late 1800s or early 1900s. He determined the land actually consists of three lots. It may be necessary to take legal steps to clear the title of the remaining property. He said he would share his information with the town’s title attorney.

Selectmen said that since the town has already spent money researching the property, it makes sense to continue.

Eureka Community Center Committee Chairman Milt Simon reported that the contract to install vinyl siding on the Community Center building has been awarded to Kenneth Goodwin for $15,065. Work should begin in about two weeks and be completed by mid-August, he said.

Saturday, Aug. 7, has been set as a work day for volunteers to remove all the old siding. They hope to complete the work in one day.

Simon said renovating the former Eureka Grange Hall, which was build around 1850, began with a small group of dedicated volunteers 14 years ago. With the exception of a $7,500 grant from the Alfred Senter Foundation of Brunswick, all the the money for it has been raised by the committee. All the work has been done by volunteers.

The first floor of the large two-story building has been renovated, a new well drilled and new bathroom completed. Another bathroom is planned, along with a handicapped-accessible entrance.