BUCKFIELD – An article calling for creation of the position of public works director will be included in the June annual meeting warrant, selectmen decided Tuesday night.

The article was presented by Chairman Skip Stanley, who argued that more could be accomplished if there was someone with experience to develop better road maintenance procedure, plan work, write specifications and perform inspections of contracted work. The person would work in the garage, not in the town office.

Stanley said the town crews could do road work more effectively by renting heavy equipment and having one of the crew operate it, but would have to rely on outside contractors for trucking. He gave statistics that showed the town could save money by doing work in-house.

Selectman Oscar Gammon challenged the proposal, saying the town already has a town manager to handle the responsibilities. He also had figures that showed contractors were more time efficient and could end up saving the town money.

Both men said they were only interested in saving the town money.

Stanley requested the board back the request to put the article before voters, and Gammon said he would support the town’s decision.

Town Manager Glen Holmes explained the school budget validation process required this year. There is no hearing, but there is a meeting to vote on 15 to 19 items on the SAD 39 budget. The referendum will be held no later than 10 days after the meeting.

Jerry Wiley expressed concern that people would not come to the meeting but would attend the referendum and not have proper knowledge of the budget.

In other business, Holmes presented the board with a list of items for public works employees to check before they take a vehicle out of the garage, including tire pressure and transmission fluid. After it was learned that workers already have a checklist, there was no need to approve another, Gammon said.

Alison McCrady, a representative from the nonprofit ecomaine waste management company owned and operated in 21 municipalities in Southern Maine, explained the company’s no-sort recycling. The process involves having machinery sort recyclables, instead of residents sorting the reusable materials.

Holmes said he does not think the town is ready for the expense at this time.

The board approved Holmes’ request to put $4,000 in the budget for a dehumidifier to help collect moisture in the ceiling insulation of the town garage.

The board approved putting a 1982 GMC tanker and a 1979 Ford out to bid.

The town is accepting bids for a wheeled bucket loader until May 19.

A lighter item on the agenda brought laughter when the Recreation Committee requested approval to hold cow patty bingo on the town field.

Selectman Chris Hayward asked what it was.

Stanley proceeded to explain, much to the delight of the attendees, that an area of the field is roped off and squares are painted with numbers. People purchase a numbered ticket and a cow is permitted to roam on the field enticed by food from people wanting it to drop a cow patty on their number.

“Only in Maine,” Hayward remarked.