RUMFORD – Selectmen on Thursday tabled action on a legislative proposal that some towns believe would more closely equalize costs for police coverage by the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department.

Whether the board will support the resolution being circulated by the town of Bethel won’t be determined until selectmen have a chance to hear a sheriff’s department representative explain what Rumford gets for its money.

Rumford pays about a half-million dollars annually in county taxes, which includes costs for Oxford County Sheriff’s Department operations.

Board Chairman Jim Thibodeau believes the town pays too much.

“Some towns pay the same share and get more coverage,” he said.

The resolution targets towns that operate their own police departments.

Selectman Jolene Lovejoy, however, said when any town joins with a group for any service, there are responsibilities.

“Without the financial help of the larger towns, this county would not be able to go on,” she said, adding that prisoners from Rumford are often transported to the county jail.

The board directed Town Manager Steve Eldridge to investigate the number and amount of services Rumford receives from the Sheriff’s Department.

The board agreed to authorize a curb cut in front of the River Valley Technology Center on Lowell Street that will allow wheelchair-bound people into the building.

A temporary ramp will be constructed for use during the winter months, then a permanent cut and associated work will take place in the spring.

River Valley Growth Council interim director Rosie Bradley said several people require handicapped accessibility into the building, which also houses the Career Center.

Eldridge set a time for public input on how people would like the town to develop for the next regular board meeting on Jan. 20.

He said each member town of the River Valley Growth Council will likely discuss how it would like to see their community develop, or not, as part of the council’s strategic plan.

“We’ll start at the next meeting and perhaps carry onto the meeting after that,” he said.

The chance for public comments will be built into the Jan. 20 meeting agenda.

He said the town is looking for comments on community growth, retail businesses and other economic issues.