GILEAD — A relative newcomer was elected tax collector in a four-way race at the annual town meeting Saturday night.

Leann Caruso, a former office worker with extensive computer experience, received 28 votes to take the position.

Judy Perrille received 21 votes, Nikki Petillo had eight and Administrative Assistant Alicia McLean received six.

Town Clerk and Treasurer Lin Chapman was elected to another three-year term in those positions. She said the interest in the eight-hour-a-week tax collector job was probably prompted by a rare opening for the position.

Beverley Corriveau, tax collector since 1987, chose to retire. She was honored with flowers and gifts at the end of the two-hour meeting. Family and friends honored her Sunday.

Alfred Leighton, a retired railroad foreman, won a three-year term on the Board of Selectmen with 36 votes against Gray Bujnowki, a self-employed carpenter, who received 27.

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Leighton replaces former Selectman Fran Head, who chose not to seek another term.

Former School Committee member Lise McLain ran unopposed for the seat vacated by Rebecca Morin, who did not seek re-election.

Fred Corriveau was unopposed for another three-year term as highway commissioner.

About 63 residents approved a municipal budget of $279,774, up about 38 percent from this year’s $201,774. The increase is due to a complete revaluation of the town and reconstruction of a 1,300-foot section of North Road.

The municipal budget does not include costs for sending students to SAD 44. Chapman said a special town meeting to vote on that figure is set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at the Town Hall.

Residents will be unable to register vehicles until early May because the new tax collector must be trained. Those needing to register a vehicle may do so in Greenwood.

The tax rate will be set within a few weeks. It is currently $15.40 per $1,000 valuation. Payments are due 30 days after the tax bills are mailed.


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