BUCKFIELD — Town Manager Glen Holmes reported to selectmen Tuesday night that the contractor who had cleared the sidewalks in winter over the last two years needed to be guaranteed $5,000 because his equipment was tied up for fewer hours of work than he needed.

Holmes told the board that the cost of clearing the sidewalks over those last two years had been less than $2,000 so he couldn’t see going with the same contractor.

“The contractor has done a good job,” Holmes said, “but I think we need to put the plowing out to bid and see what comes of that.”

A resident asked who used to clear the sidewalks and why should taxpayers pay for the clearing of the downtown sidewalks where only a few people benefit.

Another resident asked if residents could be asked to clear the sidewalk in front of their homes.

Board Chairman Eileen Hotham replied that if the bids were too high, people may have to clear their own walks.

Selectman Robin Buswell asked if the town could do the clearing, and Holmes said, “We don’t have the equipment and buying the equipment would be cost-prohibitive.”

In other news, Holmes announced that the town has another truck ready to plow, which gives the town four. He also reported that while checking out more junkyards in town, he also inspected the roads and will be sharing his report with the road foreman.

One resident objected to having junky yards targeted for cleanups and asked how much money it was costing the town to get people to comply.

Another resident said she wanted the junkyards cleaned up so they could have pride in their town’s appearance again.

Holmes was pleased with the good report given the town recently for safety inspection.

The board voted to appoint Holmes to the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments executive committee.

Holmes reported that the Buckfield Village Corporation was told by safety inspectors that the water tank needed to be blasted and recoated inside and out. He said they may be looking at a new tank and will be seeking ways to get funds from organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Selectmen gave Holmes authority to look at alternative sources of energy for town buildings and compare them to Central Maine Power Co. prices, the town’s current supplier of electricity.

The board also gave Holmes authority to sell some property.