WEST PARIS — Two years after retiring as a town official after more than 30 years, Wade Rainey won a three-way race for selectman at Saturday’s annual Town Meeting.

It took three ballots before Rainey emerged on top with more than 50% of the vote against Dannie Abbott and Donna DiConzo. On the first ballot, Rainey received 28 votes, followed by DiConzo with 24 and Abbott 21. After three Abbott supporters switched their votes to DiConzo on the second ballot, Abbott withdrew.

Rainey eked out the head-to-head match with DiConzo, 36-35.

He replaces retiring Selectman Dale Piirainen.

Rainey has served as a selectman and a town manager.

Donna Marshall was elected to the Maine School Administrative District 17 board with a 36-33 victory over Dara Kimball. Marshall replaces longtime Director Natalie Andrews, who stepped down after becoming town manager in Bethel.

Brandon Ballweber won a three-year term on the Water District board of trustees with a 28-24 victory over Bill Grover.

Voters approved the $1.4 million budget. Among the budget items approved was a 2023 Caterpillar 420XE loader backhoe in a six-year lease-to-own purchase. The first payment of $29,717.41 will be from the highway equipment reserve account. The total cost of the machine is $148,587.05.

The Select Board awarded plaques to Andrews and Piirainen.

More than 73 residents attended the meeting, Town Manager Joy Downing said, one more than attended the past two meetings.

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