West Paris Selectman Eli White, center, seen in May 2024 at a joint meeting with selectmen in Paris, was reelected Saturday to a third three-year term. West Paris Town Manager Joy Downing and Selectman Wade Rainey are seated with him. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat

WEST PARIS — Voters disapproved of paying off the lease on backhoe loader at Saturday’s annual town meeting, but approved more money for animal control and money to cover legal fees.

Moderator Vern Maxfield led the 40 or so voters gathered at the Ring-McKeen American Legion Post 151 through 41 articles.

The five-year lease on the 2023 Caterpillar 420XE backhoe loader was signed two years ago and voters wanted to stick with the terms of five annual payments of $32,000 each. The last will be in March 2027.

An overall budget of $1.8 million was approved, an increase of $141,635 from last year. The Highway Department accounts for most of the increase.

Money for animal control was increased to $13,241, which is more than in past years. Animal Control Officer Brandon Holmes, who began the job last fall, said he is responding to more calls, which affects his budget but also benefits the community.

“Brandon has been doing a great job for the town,” Town Manager Joy Downing said.

Voters approved $13,035 from the undesignated fund to cover an overdraft in the Administrate/Contractual/Legal account. The reason is legal fees related to the town’s lawsuit against Maine School Administrative District 17 over the closure of Agnes Gray Elementary School. The article passed.

Questions about whether more money for that will be needed will be on the agenda for the Select Board meeting March 13.

In town elections, Judy Boutilier won a three-year seat on the West Paris Water District board of trustees and David Walton won a two-year term. They join Chairman Brandon Ballweber.

Selectman Eli White was reelected to a third term for three years, and SAD 17 Director Veronica Poland was reelected for three years, defeating Janet Hebert.