JAY — Voters rejected a local administrative ordinance for the state’s building and energy code by a vote of 314-325 Tuesday.

All articles, except one pertaining to the $6.25 million budget, passed. Residents opted not to donate $1,500 to SafeVoices in a 313-331 vote.

Voters elected Pearl Cook to a three-year term on the Board of Selectmen with 334 votes. Her opponent, Laurence “Larry” Thornton received 266 votes.

Selectman Steve McCourt, who was unopposed for another three-year term on the board, received 538 votes.

RSU 73 directors Michael Morrell and Darcie Comstock were re-elected to three-year terms. Morrell received 409 votes; Comstock, 325.

The ordinance for the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code Administrative Ordinance would have let Jay use its own rules, within the law, to oversee the codes. It dealt with oversight of building permits, inspections and occupancy permits, among other things, for new buildings and renovations of existing ones.

As of July 1, towns with more than 4,000 residents must enforce the state-adopted legislation, town officials previously said. Town leaders have proposed an ordinance to help them administer the ordinance, because Jay has a population of 4,885.

Town Manager Ruth Cushman said previously that if the town does not adopt an administrative ordinance, it would be subject to the state’s administrative rules.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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