MECHANIC FALLS – A dozen people at a special town meeting this week approved spending $20,000 more than the amount approved for fiscal year 2006-07 at the annual town meeting in May.

The vote authorized the use of $20,354.25 of surplus revenues from the town’s 2005-06 fiscal year to offset expenditures that exceeded what voters approved at the May 2005 town meeting.

Town Manager John Hawley said that more than 90 percent of the overage can be directly attributed to the unforeseen increase in gas, diesel and heating fuel costs.

Town Clerk Shirley Marquis pointed out that other than town officers, three residents attended.

After the special town meeting, the council posted revisions to the town’s dog ordinance for a public hearing at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at the municipal building.

Hawley said references to animals other than dogs were eliminated with changes recommended by police Chief Jeffrey Goss.

“The Planning Board will work on an ordinance to take care of farm animals,” Hawley said.

Hawley noted that a separate and clear ordinance pertaining to goats, chickens and the like will address concerns that Cathy Pressey presented at the council’s August meeting.

The council also accepted Bryant Energy’s bid to supply heating oil for $2.249 per gallon for the upcoming heating season. Bryant Energy’s bid was the lowest of three submitted. Adams and Fogg’s bid of $6,977 was accepted as the lowest of three bids submitted for a new system to monitor an account for use at the town’s fuel pump. The new system, Hawley explained will use cards coded for each of the town’s vehicles using the pump.

Noting that the bid is about $500 higher than the amount budgeted, Hawley said the municipal complex reserve account will be tapped to cover the difference and for any added electricians’ cost.

Reporting on funds available for an emergency generator to be installed at the Elm Street School, Hawley said that, according to Principal Mary Martin, the school has no money set aside for the generator. He did say, however, that the town had $7,500 in reserve for a generator at the school.

Councilor William Diehl said that he thought the school had money in reserve for an emergency generator and asked Hawley to check with the School Committee on the matter.

Hawley was also directed to continue his research into how towns around the state are handling development impact fees. The council noted that the five corners area could see substantial development in the next few years.

The council also approved closing town offices on Sept. 11 to allow work for an upgrade of the computer system and to have it closed Oct. 5 to allow office personnel to attend MMA workshops.