NEW GLOUCESTER — Selectmen on Monday evening held off awarding a paving contract until they get clarification on a 1 percent surcharge to contractors who participate in Greater Portland Council of Governments’ bid program.

The board learned from an official at Pike Industries at Monday’s meeting that the surcharge was not included in its bid, which means the company would have to pay the roughly $2,800.

Pike Industries participates in the bid program, but it was unclear why the surcharge was not included.

The surcharge is to cover higher administrative costs, according to what contractors told the town highway department.

Town Manager Carrie Castonguay will contact the agency for justification on the increase and request that the town be given timely information.

Other contractors’ bids may have included the surcharge, though selectmen said they weren’t notified of it.

The board authorized Ted Shane of the Highway Department to review each bid to determine who did or did not include the surcharge.

Five contractors are on the Greater Portland Council of Government’s paving bid list.

By July 17, the board will decide whether to select a bid from those in the Portland agency’s bid program or solicit their own bids.

Shane said the only service the town receives from its agency membership of $5,500 is the purchase of paving and salt.

In other business, selectmen authorized carrying a total of $286,296 from this fiscal year to the next fiscal year for ongoing projects. For example, the funds include fairgrounds improvements, library radon and foundation work, and the Morse Road paving project. Funds that will be turned back to the undesignated fund balance total $5,026.

The Planning Board has an urgent need for members to fill three three-year terms and one term that ends in 2018. The July meeting will be canceled if the positions remain vacant.

Linda Chase was named board chairwoman and Steven Libby as vice chairman. Joseph “Joe” Davis was welcomed to the board.