RUMFORD – Residents here will make one extra decision when they go to the polls next month.

Along with choosing a president, congressman and state legislators, and deciding whether to pass the tax-cap and bear-baiting referendums, Rumford residents will decide whether they want a big-ticket items, which now are decided at the annual town meeting, to be decided by referendum ballot.

Voters will be asked whether any special project, known as an initiated article, of more than $150,000 should go to a referendum. All initiated articles must first be approved by selectmen or have a sufficient number of valid signatures on a petition to be considered by a townwide vote.

Selectman Jim Rinaldo first brought up the idea a couple of months ago. Because so few people attend the annual June town meeting, he believed the vote could be swayed by those with a special interest.

If residents pass the amendment to the town’s charter, any initiated article of more than $150,000 would be discussed at the town meeting, then voters would decide it at the June statewide election.

Right now, the town’s charter requires that all initiated article requests be voted on at town meeting.

Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, at the American Legion Hall on Congress Street.