DURHAM — Seventy-three residents turned out for a single-article, special town meeting Thursday night, voting 37-29 to change the position of road commissioner from elected to appointed, effective April 3, 2010.

The issue was brought to voters after Road Commissioner Daryl Pratt, who is serving his first term, tendered his resignation, effective Dec. 31.

Selectmen favored the change.

The 1½-hour meeting was somewhat contentious at times, as residents debated the merits of an elected road commissioner versus one appointed by selectmen.

Thursday night’s meeting is believed to be the longest single-article meeting in the town’s history, Town Clerk Shannon Plourde said. Administrative Assistant Warren Hatch moderated the meeting.

In an unrelated matter, Plourde announced nomination papers for the 2010 annual town election will be available at her office on Jan. 6 and must be returned by Feb. 16.