RUMFORD – Selectmen unanimously denied a grievance complaint by a public works employee who had requested a raise in pay. In another union issue, the board decided to wait until the June vote to determine how to address a health and safety grievance lodged by the firefighters’ union.

Town Manager Jim Doar said Monday that the decision on the public works matter following a closed session last week could be appealed by the employee through arbitration.

Regarding the firefighters grievance, Doar said the town can’t do anything now because no money exists in the capital account that could address the life and safety issues.

“It’s not from lack of desire on our part,” he said.

He acknowledged that the fire station is not up to code, according to a report by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

He said installation of a sprinkler system would likely alleviate most, if not all, of the code violations. Such a system would cost about $50,000.

The matter will be addressed when voters act on a municipal budget in June.

At that time, capital priorities will have to be determined. Usually, fire department capital funds go toward replacing aging equipment. Instead, some or all of that money could go toward installation of the sprinkler system.

In another matter, the board unanimously authorized filling a utility police officer position.

The position is expected to reduce the amount of overtime police officers put in.

Police Chief Stacy Carter said one officer will attend the Maine Police Academy, and another, who is in the Marine Corps reserves, is expected to be called up for deployment. The utility position will also be used to cover the approximately 18 weeks of vacation time officers have earned.

The position was approved through the end of June. At that time, the board will be asked to extend the position.