MEXICO – Selectmen agreed to submit a proposed graffiti ordinance to the Planning Board at their Wednesday night meeting.

The ordinance, based on a similar local law in South Portland, was proposed by Selectman Peter Merrill.

“I’m sick of seeing who loves who on the stones. This won’t cure it 100 percent, but it will help,” he said.

The ordinance would ban the sale of aerosol paint, broad tipped markers, paint sticks or other graffiti implements to people under the age of 18. It also calls for removal of graffiti from surfaces where it appears.

Town Manager John Madigan said that although he doesn’t believe the town has a serious problem with graffiti, members of the public works crew have had to paint over obscenities and other markings from under the bridge that connects Mexico with Rumford.

Merrill told selectmen that he has also submitted the draft ordinance to nearby Rumford and Dixfield for consideration.

Police Chief Jim Theriault said his department would enforce the ordinance, if enacted.

If the proposal goes forward, voters will act on it during the annual town meeting referendum in June.

In other matters on Wednesday, selectmen delayed advertising for a police officer until Theriault can learn if the Maine Criminal Justice Academy will approve an extension until August for one of his officers who must undergo the training.

Another officer is also out on sick leave.

Until selectmen decide whether to hire an officer, Madigan said those who have not undergone training can work for the next few months. He said Mexico and neighboring Dixfield are also in the process of discussing potential ways to share services. Their selectmen meet next on the possible sharing of services at 5 p.m., Jan. 27, at Dixfield’s Ludden Memorial Library.

In other matters, the board:

• Approved a Texas hold ’em tournament for the Lions Club.

• Appointed Madigan as representative to the Maine Service Center Coalition and Selectman George Byam as alternate.