LISBON – Selectmen have set Dec. 14 as the date for a special referendum election for voters to decide if they want to form a community school district with Durham.

Residents will be asked to vote on three questions: Whether to join with Durham to form a CSD for grades 9 through 12; whether to approve a cost-sharing formula, and whether the district’s school committee should perform the duties of the board of trustees.

The proposed cost-sharing formula calls for each community to pay its share to the district as determined by state law, and for any additional local costs to be apportioned according to the number of students as of Oct. 1 of the prior year.

The intent of forming a CSD is to build a new jointly owned high school, and if the referendum questions are not approved by both towns, it will not move forward. A public hearing will be scheduled.

Water Commission Chairman Bill Bauer gave selectmen a progress report on the new Water Department building, noting that the first three phases have been completed. They include storage space for three department vehicles and other equipment; housing for a new valve for regulating pressure and water flow from Lisbon to Lisbon Falls; bathroom facilities; and installation of an after-hours collection drop for water bills and, if selectmen allow it, sewer bills.

Still to be completed are the last three phases, including setup for Paul Adams and Larry Plourde for their respective duties; and the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition system move from the old building, which is expected to be completed this fall. Also, setup for Water Department meetings, and meeting space for vendors and contracted services, which are expected to be completed in January and February. The final phase includes a proposal to move the Water Department office operations from the town office into the new building.

The date for this will be determined by selectmen and water commissioners, who will decide what is in the best interest of the customers, Bauer said.

Public Works Director George Ayer updated selectmen on paving and other highway projects and was commended for his work.

In other business, selectmen signed the warrant for a special town meeting on Nov. 10, which includes articles to accept streets that were turned down by voters in May and a zoning change; accepted the resignation of Planning Board member Joe Young, who is being called to active duty; adopted criteria for community service awards; and heard a recommendation from former Selectman Ed Madden that Carl Huston be considered for an award.

The board also accepted from Banknorth a gift of a parcel on Booker Street to be used as a neighborhood park.