RUMFORD – A new three-year contract with the town’s 14 public works employees was settled Thursday night by selectmen.

Following a 20-minute closed session, the board agreed to increase wages 3.5 percent during 2006-2007, and 3 percent for each of 2007-2008, and 2008-2009.

Board Chairman Jim Rinaldo said Friday that the major sticking point in the negotiations was whether to include the department’s part-time surveyor. The previous three-year contract ended June 30.

In the end, he said, the board agreed to include the part-time position.

Settlement of the public works contract ends negotiations with all three of the town’s bargaining units. The 14-person Rumford Fire Department contract was signed in June, and the 14-person Rumford Police Department contract was signed shortly before that.

Rinaldo said the wage increase and benefits are the same for all three unions.