MONMOUTH – The Board of Selectmen this week took action on two possible referendum questions.

Residents submitted a petition for a referendum to change the format of the annual town meeting. If passed on Nov. 2, all articles at town meetings will be voted on by secret ballot at the polls from noon to 7 p.m.

Some residents expressed concern that public services could be left in limbo for weeks after a town meeting if budget items were voted down. They encouraged selectmen to offer a contingency plan to ensure that town services can remain in operation.

Town Manager Steve Dyer will ask the town attorney if selectmen can add such a provision or if November’s ballot must include only the submitted text. In addition, Dyer must certify that 174 of the 219 signatures are valid.

Residents may also vote on the police department’s future. Selectmen Steve Kolenda offered a motion to have Dyer draft a question that would offer residents three choices in November: Keep the police department full time, reduce it to part time, or eliminate it altogether.

“There’s nothing better than to ask the people,” Kolenda said.

Others were surprised the discussion was taking place.

“I’m tired of seeing the Monmouth Police Department treated like a basket child,” said one resident.

The motion passed with a vote of 3-2. Selectmen will examine the text at the next meeting and decide if they will place it on the November ballot.

In other business, residents complained about engine brakes and excessive speed on Main Street. A new turnpike interchange may be completed by mid-November, and residents expressed concern about additional safety problems that the exit could create. Selectmen will examine a downtown growth plan and reinitiate discussion at the Aug. 25 meeting.

Also, selectmen voted 3-2 to oppose a proposal to put together a committee to examine locations for town services, including the Police Department. That department is currently located in half of the town hall’s meeting room.

In addition, selectmen voted to allow Dyer to sign contracts with Fair Point New England for a new telephone service package. The new service will save $120 a month and offer improved features for the town’s 12 phone lines.