Dixfield selectmen unnecessarily went behind closed doors during their meeting Monday night. Their discussion took only about 10 minutes, but the public had a right to hear what was said.

Selectmen met with department heads to discuss how the arrangement with Mexico to share a town manager was going. Apparently concerned about either hurt feelings or fear that the town employees wouldn’t speak candidly with Town Manager John Madigan present, selectmen held an executive session. All those involved in the meeting are adults and should be expected to conduct themselves professionally.

Afterward, selectmen extended their part of the bi-town appointment until at least Oct. 1. It appears the arrangement is working so far.

Maine’s Freedom of Access Act is pretty straightforward. Unless an exemption can be cited that allows for an executive session, government meetings are supposed to happen in public.

This wasn’t a school board expulsion hearing or a fraternity blackball party. It was an assessment about how an innovative effort at regionalization is progressing. Town government’s first role should be to serve its residents. Going into executive session didn’t do that.