TURNER — Selectmen on Monday questioned an ordinance requested by Efficiency Maine that would allow the agency to offer residents loans to make energy-saving improvements to their homes.

The loans would be for up to $16,000 for 15 years at 4.99 percent interest. The ordinance would force the town to enter into a contract with Efficiency Maine.

The information provided by Efficiency Maine indicated there was no liability to the town or town officers, and the ordinance was only to allow the agency to function in town.

“The only drawback I see is it requires the town to enter into a contract,” board Chairman Angelo Terreri said. “The word ‘contract’ scares me.”

The other selectmen agreed that a contract imposes an obligation on both parties, and they wanted to know what obligation the town would have.

“It provides another resource for our homeowners,” Town Manager Eva Leavitt said. She said all of the expenses were covered by the federal government.

Selectman Denis Richardson questioned whether the country could afford such a program, considering the national debt. He also pointed out that the loans would compete with the local bank and could result in risky loans that resulted in foreclosures.

The board agreed to require a representative of Efficiency Maine to come and explain the program before they propose the ordinance to the town.

In other business:

* Selectmen appointed members of town committees. There are still openings on the Zoning Board of Appeals. They said these positions do not require a lot of work and are an opportunity to provide valuable service to the community.

* The Town Charter requires the board to appoint the town manager as road commissioner. Selectman Ralph Caldwell opened a discussion on the appointment. While praising Leavitt’s management of the town, he expressed the need for someone with a more technical background to oversee the roads.

“You have a right to higher expectations in that department and I will work with the selectmen to resolve this unmet need,” Leavitt said.

She recommended that a public works manager or public works director be appointed. She indicated that with a $1 million budget, the Public Works Department needs a full-time manager.

* Resident Harris Bradeen presented selectmen with a draft of an improved map of Turner. He said that when he and other members of the local American Legion Post were trying to deliver Christmas presents, they found the old map was illegible and incomplete.

Selectmen said they appreciated the work that had been done and they would review the map before their next meeting.