PHILLIPS — Voters at town meeting Thursday approved a $1.23 million budget and elected town officers.

The spending plans requested by selectmen and the Budget Committee were followed closely.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Lincoln Haines said the selectmen and the Budget Committee work together to develop the budget. Voters approved using up to $30,000 in unassigned funds for emergencies after questioning how the funds might be used. Haines said that when the Fire Department’s thermal-imaging camera failed last year, emergency funds helped defray replacement costs.

Some discussion centered on the process to sell tax-acquired properties. Selectmen traditionally use two methods, selling some by sealed bid and others through an auctioneer. Voters questioned how the two processes varied and why there was a need for both but voted to continue with those options.

Town Manager Elaine Hubbard told voters that Hollis Tyler has been hired as the new animal control officer. People who need to contact him can call the Town Office for his telephone number.

In the election,

Lynette Abbott received 29 votes to win a three-year seat held by incumbent director Dan Worcester, who received 21 votes; Karen Campbell received 13 votes. Voters cast 33 ballots for Amy Alexkovich to fill the remaining one-year school board seat. Dan Worcester received 26 votes, and Karen Campbell got 18 votes.

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