FARMINGTON — Selectmen unanimously agreed Tuesday to let voters decide whether the town should continue membership in the Farmington Downtown Association.
It will be a separate article on the town meeting warrant.
During the last selectmen’s meeting, the issue of town membership and the town manager’s participation in the business-oriented group was raised.
Selectmen Andrew Hufnagel and Ryan Morgan questioned the involvement based on the decision of voters at the last two annual meetings to not allot funds in support of business organizations such as the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.
Board Chairman Stephan Bunker and Selectman Jessica Berry were absent and Selectman Dennis Pike did not agree with the other two. Without a quorum, the three tabled the discussion.
Back on the agenda Tuesday, another aspect arose causing some members to liken it to opening a can of worms.
Bunker asked if other town personnel such as the police or fire chief would need voter approval to fund membership dues for their involvement in professional organizations. He said he didn’t want to go down that road.
The downtown is an important piece of Farmington, Janice Maxham, president of the Farmington Downtown Association, told the board. The group valued the town manager’s expertise, participation and his role as a liaison between the association and town, she said.
Hufnagel wanted to table the discussion until others with opposing views could have the opportunity to voice their opinions as Maxham did.
Town Manager Richard Davis suggested three options, vote to not fund the $50 for membership in the Farmington Downtown Association, vote to approve it in the budget or vote to include it as a separate warrant item.
As a warrant item there would be more opportunity for discussion and feedback, he said.
Selectman Dennis Pike said the board was losing focus and should make the decision.
“We’re elected to conduct business. Voters put their trust in our judgment,” he said.
“We’re elected to represent people the best we can,” Hufnagel said.
People have different thought processes, Morgan said. He moved for a vote to put the item on the warrant and the board agreed.
abryant@sunjournal.com
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