RUMFORD – Rumford selectmen decided to call a meeting of all area selectmen later this summer to pursue the possibilities of working together to benefit the entire region.
At Thursday’s meeting, which included newly elected Selectmen Greg Buccina and Mark Belanger, the board agreed to take the initiative to bring town officials together.
Selectman Jolene Lovejoy said she commended former Dixfield Town Manager Nanci Allard, who put together the first regional meeting several months ago.
“It’s time for all our towns to get creative. I salute Mexico and Dixfield,” she said, referring to the two towns’ action earlier in the evening to share one town manager.
Town Manager Steve Eldridge said the last meeting, held about a month ago, drew few people.
“I felt we hadn’t gotten too far. I recommend that we invite the boards of selectmen from Mexico, Dixfield and other towns to talk about whether there are areas we want to pursue,” he said.
At at earlier regional meeting, those attending had begun to look at police needs for the River Valley area.
That’s an area that will likely be looked at again.
Eldridge said the three major towns spend $1.8 million for a 23- or 24-member police force.
“Do we need a force that large to cover the community?” he asked.
Resident Len Greaney suggested that area municipal officials look at budgets covering other services as well that could provide a clearer understanding of what individual municipal services cost.
The meetings will likely be scheduled for early August.
The board also voted to establish a land-use committee that will study the possible establishment of zoning and updating of land-use ordinances.
“Zoning is a good economic tool. It helps control growth,” said Eldridge.
Approved was a seven-member committee and the appointment of one selectman as a board liaison.
Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments’ John Maloney will assist the committee with its mission and help it get set up.
Eldridge said the terms would be for three years.
Interested residents should apply to the town office by mid-July. An organizational meeting will be held in early August.
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