RUMFORD — Residents voted unanimously Thursday to spend $175,000 from the undesignated fund balance to buy a box culvert and install it on Swain Road.

The purchase was recommended by selectmen and the Finance Committee.

Resident Mike Mills questioned why the town decided to use a more expensive box culvert rather than a less expensive repair.

Town Manager Carlo Puiia said it was something the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommended after assessing the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

“We realized that having two 5-foot culverts wasn’t working because they kept washing out,” Puiia said. “We realized it was essential to make a long-term improvement to that road for future storms and to avoid constant replacement of the smaller culverts.”

Residents also approved the acceptance of FEMA funds to help offset the cost to repair damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

During the selectmen’s meeting, which was held after the special town meeting, the board approved a request from the library Board of Trustees to have the library budget be a separate warrant item on the town ballot.

Luke Sorenson of the Rumford Public Library said he heard from people in town that during the last vote concerning the library many residents were unable to find the issue on the ballot.

Selectman Brad Adley agreed, saying during the summer town vote he heard similar complaints from residents.

The board also approved a bid from CPM Construction of Freeport to install the box culvert on Swain Road for a total of $99,928.

Adley expressed concern over not hiring a local contractor but realized the town was forced to go with the lowest bid on the project.

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