DIXFIELD – After a lengthy discussion Monday night over a committee’s proposed bylaws, selectmen requested that the document be reworked.

At issue are bylaws proposed by the Water Advisory Committee, which was initially established to advise selectmen on Dixfield’s Water Department matters.

But both selectmen Chairman Eugene Skibitsky and Selectman Tony Carter saw the bylaws as an attempt to override selectmen, who also serve as trustees of the department.

Skibitsky said the bylaws state that Water Advisory Committee members are to be elected at town meeting rather than be appointed by selectmen. He based his thoughts on questions raised by a Maine Municipal Association attorney working for the town.

Skibitsky said that, “If we approve these bylaws, and it goes to a town meeting, this committee becomes an ad hoc committee separate from selectmen. Then you will have gone beyond what we first envisioned it to be.”

Committee spokeswoman Sonya Fuller tried to clear up what she said were misunderstandings. She said that the group sees itself as more of a watchdog of Water Department activities.

“We don’t see the group as wanting control. We want oversight over what’s paid out. I see the group as working hand-in-hand with selectmen,” she said.

Fuller said the board’s intent is to make definite recommendations, rather than take over for selectmen.

Skibitsky said the role he sees the committee serving is to advise selectmen on issues that selectmen want advice on.

Fuller countered, saying the committee has been doing that all along to no avail.

She also wants the committee and ratepayers to have a say in proposed water rate hikes.

“We’re not looking at doing you people harm. Hopefully, everything is above board (in the Water Department), and hopefully, you people know everything that’s going on down there,” Fuller said.

After clarifying the committee’s intent, the board asked committee members to revise the group bylaws and present them for review at the board’s Sept. 13 meeting.