NEW VINEYARD – Voters raised the pay for volunteer firefighters and elected a new selectman Saturday at the annual town meeting.

Fire Chief Doug Churchill asked voters to raise the pay for time spent fighting fires to $10 an hour from the current $6 rate. Of the 12 volunteer firefighters, only five live in New Vineyard; the others live in Farmington, he said.

When someone asked why a $4 hike and suggested it was a volunteer service, several residents quickly voiced support for the firefighters.

“To put their lives in jeopardy to save someone else deserves that, if not more,” one resident said. “It’s money well-spent.”

Voters agreed and increased the pay, which will be taken from the Fire Department’s current budget. The firefighters are only paid for time spent fighting fires. Time spent on equipment and gear is unpaid, Selectman Fay Adams said.

The estimated 75 voters also approved an article asking for $120,000 to plow the town’s 36 miles of road with the understanding that a special town meeting will be held in June. More funding may be needed at that time but this ensures some approved funding for plowing. Selectmen intend to determine specifications and receive bids to bring to the town then.

Longtime summer residents Tom and Steve Wasco asked the town to consider plowing up to their childhood home on Herrick Road that they have refinished and want to rent. The board will continue talking with them and the issue will be considered at the June meeting.

Election results

Voters elected Doug Withey for a three-year selectman term over incumbent Lowell Dubay.

Earl Luce Jr. was re-elected summer road commissioner. Planning Board members Patty Knapp, John Cavanaugh and Richard Hargreaves were re-elected.

Incumbent Scott Webber and John Cavanaugh were nominated for a three-year term on the SAD 9 school board. Webber was re-elected by a vote of 29-14.

Most articles passed, but voters turned down a requested $1,540 for Community Concepts. Townspeople wanted to hear a presentation from someone at the organization about its services.