BUCKFIELD – All available local contractors and equipment were called into service to try to save town roads threatened by this week’s storm, selectmen were told Tuesday night.

Town Manager Glen Holmes reported that the town road crew and others hired to help did an outstanding job. Eight roads were temporarily closed because of washouts and flooding. All are now open to at least one-lane traffic. Paris Hill Road sustained the most significant damage.

Due to the heavy snow, it was necessary to plow the roads Sunday night. Two hours later, heavy runoff from rain was forced to flow down the surface of roads because of snow blocking the ditches. Rapid response by the town kept the damage relatively minor by redirecting the flow into the ditches, he said.

One home sustained thousands of dollars in damage when a wall of water broke through a snow dam and entered the finished basement through windows, Holmes reported. The driveways to several homes are damaged or impassable.

Selectmen approved the road resurfacing specification developed by the road committee.

When asked if the storm damage would impact the paving projects, Holmes said it would not as he anticipates federal grants will cover 75 percent of the cost of storm damage repairs.

The 7 miles of roads to be repaved were rebuilt a few years ago with a 2-inch asphalt surface. These roads now need the final 1-inch wearing surface.

Holmes said the SAD 39 budget had been well thought out. However, the budget committee has asked Superintendent Rick Colpitts to find additional cuts.

With $141,000 in cuts, and with anticipated funds from the state and other sources, there would be no increase in taxes for Hartford and a small cut for Sumner and Buckfield, Holmes said.

Selectmen approved the Recreation Committee request to conduct a cow chip casino game on the town recreation field.

Selectmen approved the bid specification package for a new firetruck.