DIXFIELD – In little more than 15 minutes, about 15 residents approved eight articles at a special town meeting Monday night, ensuring that a domestic violence investigator will be hired.

This town was the last of three to approve spending $2,800 from surplus to help pay for a special investigator. Rumford and Mexico had authorized the same amount a few weeks ago.

Rumford police Chief Stacy Carter said at Monday’s special meeting that a domestic violence investigator will likely be named late next week. The investigator, who will be chosen from a member of the Rumford Police Department, will begin work in mid-December.

The funds from the three towns were needed to make up the difference from a federal grant to combat domestic violence. It is hoped that the special officer will serve until the end of September when a new grant year begins.

Carter said if the program proves successful, the department is virtually guaranteed full funding for the next two years.

He must, however, receive an additional $4,516 from each of the three towns’ police departments in June that will pay for the position through the end of September.

Carter said those funds will be included in each of the department’s 2007 budgets.

Prior to the unanimous vote to approve spending the $2,800, Dixfield resident Tony Martin said the position is important.

“We should have one, we need one. We’ve got to protect our children,” he said.

Also on Monday, voters approved taking up to $8,900 from the Ione Harlow Dixfield Community Trust Fund for the construction of a new concession stand and two handicapped accessible bathrooms at Harlow Park. The park encompasses several athletic fields used by SAD 21 students.

Dirigo Athletic Boosters member Tom Child said the group will begin construction in the spring. Volunteer labor will be used to build the new 20- by 20-foot concession stand. He said additional money, raised by the boosters, will be needed to buy appliances.

The new building will be off the Nash Street entrance to the athletic fields. The current one is near the Weld Street entrance.

The remaining articles, all approved, were related to a new street standards ordinance. Among the requirements is that all roads in new developments must meet street standards when they are built.

[email protected]