DIXFIELD – Selectmen agreed to table action on hiring a water or water/sewer operator until a new town manager is on board and efforts could begin to work out a deal with neighboring Mexico to operate the Dixfield Water Department.

The Mexico Water District board of trustees agreed last week to continue operation of their neighbor’s water department until the end of June.

“It’s up to you to decide,” Dixfield/Mexico Town Manager John Madigan told selectmen at Monday’s board meeting. “It seems to be an advantage for both towns.”

Dixfield advertised for a new operator several weeks ago and had received nine applications for the position.

Selectman Brad Dyer said the Hiring Committee has not interviewed anyone.

“Perhaps we should hold back with the potential of the Mexico Water District,” he said.

Mexico Water District operator Jim White has been running the Dixfield Water Department for nearly a year. The arrangement between the two towns broke down several months ago when former Town Manager Jeff Jacobson discussed the possibility of hiring White to run both the water and sewer departments for the town. Mexico did, however, continue to manage Dixfield’s water department while selectmen searched for an operator.

Dixfield is in the process of interviewing town manager candidates.

In other matters on Monday, selectmen agreed to place a question before voters at the May 31 annual town meeting for the installation of two street lights. One would be on Spring Street near Main Street. The other would be on Main Street across from Old Canton Road. Madigan said each would cost $5 to $10 a month to operate. Police Chief Richard Pickett suggested the new lights to make the areas safer.

The board also:

• announced that nominations for Citizen of the Year should be made prior to the May 14 board meeting. Selectmen will choose the person who will be honored at the annual town meeting.

• agreed to take part in Operation Clean-Up for Oxford County. Inmates from the county jail will help clean up the sides of roads for two days in mid- or late May.

• announced that the town’s annual clean-up will begin on May 7, then continue for two weeks. Residents may deposit brush or leaves by the curb for pickup by public works employees. Residents will also be able to take appliances and furniture to the Mexico transfer station at no cost through the end of May.