RUMFORD – Selectmen will take up the ongoing issue of the Fire Department’s first-responder duties when they meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the American Legion Hall.

But first, at 6 p.m., a public hearing will be held on Med-Care Ambulance Service’s plans to construct a new $2 million facility in neighboring Mexico.

Rumford is one of 11 member towns served by Med-Care, and the largest community member of the emergency ambulance service. Dean Milligan, director of Med-Care, and Steve Brown, president of the service’s Board of Directors, will be available to explain the plan and to field questions from the public.

Town Manager Jim Doar said selectmen will likely take action on Med-Care’s plan at their Oct. 18 meeting.

During the selectmen’s meeting that begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Milligan, Fire Chief John Woulfe and the director of the state’s emergency management service will provide an overview of emergency service and responsibilities of fire departments and medical agencies such as Med-Care.

Doar said the town spends about $2,000 of the Fire Department budget to provide first-responder duties each year.

He said selectmen are expected to take action Thursday on whether to allow the Fire Department to continue the first-responder service.

In other matters, a decision will made on the two maple trees growing in front of the Municipal Building. Doar said resident input has been about 50/50 on whether to take them down or trim them.

Also, selectmen will act on several liquor license or special entertainment permit requests, discuss a sign lease for the Parks Department, and begin a search for people to serve on the school district’s regional planning committee.

A closed-door meeting is scheduled following the regular meeting with code enforcement officer Rick Kent and a resident who has violated the shoreland zoning ordinance and a stop-work order. Doar said the penalty will be announced following the session.