TURNER — Efficient and economical operation of the emergency 911 system was a big concern at Monday night’s selectmen meeting.

Board members said they were satisfied with the quality of service they are getting from the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department call center. However, county commissioners have failed to properly maintain and upgrade the system, even though Turner and other towns have contributed more than $200,000 to it, Selectman Dennis Richardson said.

Selectmen said they believed it was a case of politics, that commissioners were trying to cut costs in Lewiston-Auburn at the expense of the smaller towns. Richardson said two of the commissioners are from L-A and one will apparently be mayor because he is running unopposed. Richardson said the commissioners’ purpose was to force the sheriff to close his call center and  force the towns to participate in the L-A center.

While 85 percent of the emergency calls in the county originate in Lewiston-Auburn, its call center would try to burden the small towns with a disproportionate share of the cost, Richardson said.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Angelo Terreri drew a comparison with the county jail. He said the city board constantly complains about covering 55 percent of the jail costs while 90 percent of the inmates come from the city.

Richardson recommended appealing to the Public Service Commission or bringing legal action if the commissioners try to close the sheriff’s call center. He said, “I will never vote to go with L-A” for handling emergency calls.

Selectmen will continue to monitor the county commissioners’ meetings and will try to express their opinions on E-911 service.

In other business Monday night:

* Selectmen approved the 2011 Municipal Valuation Return. It indicated that assessments are based on 80 percent of current value. The town reported nearly $360 million in taxable real estate valuation and slightly more than $12 million in taxable personal property valuation. With the 2011 property tax rate set at $14.39 per $1,000 of valuation, the town expects to raise $5.35 million this fiscal year.

* Ed Morris, activities director of the Turner Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club, asked selectmen to let the club put a short thank-you letter into the annual Town Report. He said that though the club holds a banquet for participating landowners and tries in other ways to reach out, the Town Report would reach all residents.

* Selectmen will hold their first workshop on next year’s budget from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24.