RUMFORD – Rumford selectmen on Thursday will discuss a fundraiser that is being put together by Rumford Professional Firefighters Local Union.

Members of the union, with the assistance of East Coast Marketing Group (a professional charitable fundraiser), have been making calls to Rumford residents asking if they will support the “Night of Laughs” comedy show at Mountain Valley High School on Jan. 17. The show will feature three Boston comedians. According to information on the union’s Web site, everyone who sponsors the union will receive an official receipt and complimentary tickets to the show, which is rated PG-13.

“One of the reasons we’re putting it on the agenda is the town officials have not understood why we’re supporting it,” said Town Manager Len Greaney. Local businesses have been invited to sponsor an advertisement in the union’s 2009 program booklet, to be distributed at the comedy show.

In an interview Wednesday, union President Mark Tripp explained that the purpose was to raise money for “worthwhile endeavors,” some of which the fire department is in the process of formulating. Some of the funds are expected to go toward local high school sports teams, a winterization program for the elderly next year, and possibly, a golf tournament at Oakdale Country Club to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The rest, Tripp said, will go toward the union’s general fund. When pressed as to what percentage of the funds would go to the union and what amount would benefit the community, Tripp said the percentage breakdown hasn’t been finalized.

“We’re going to set some guidelines on the percentage,” he said. “The biggest thing I can say is it’s going to benefit the community.”

When asked if union members had been approached by selectmen before discovering the agenda item, Tripp responded, “We didn’t know we were on the agenda until everyone else found out. We have no idea what they want.”

“It doesn’t surprise me that they didn’t tell us we were being put on the agenda,” he continued. “I don’t think it’s very professional for them to do that.”

Greaney noted that the issue was on the agenda due to concerns expressed by the selectmen that the union is raising money “and we don’t know how much will go to the youth.” He added that the board will attempt to have a productive discussion with the union on where the funds are being spent.

“I’m trying to be positive. I’m thinking it will come off fairly positive,” Greaney said.

Also up for discussion is a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant application for the 2009 Housing Assistance Program. Greaney explained that Phil Blampied, the town’s economic development coordinator, has put together the application for the funding, which comes from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. If approved by selectmen, the proposal would go to a public hearing and then a vote of Rumford citizens to allow the town to apply for the funds.

The town is required to provide a $25,000 match, and money could be used from the economic development fund to do so.

The Praise Assembly of God is requesting that the town donate to its food pantry. Greaney noted that the church had approached the town and pointed out how much good work the food pantry does for the community’s needy citizens and how other food pantries in town had received donations in the past.

“I said they should ask for the amount the town gives to other food pantries,” Greaney said, adding that this amount is usually $100.

Other agenda items include a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles; request for approval of a liquor license application and special amusement permit for the VFW; request for approval of a taxi cab license for Robert and Mary Jones, doing business as Road Hog Express; request for approval of a taxi cab license for Clarence Tompkins, doing business as Courtesy Cab; and request for approval of a taxi cab license for Matthew Bean and Deborah Cayer, doing business as Mountain Valley Taxi Service.