About 60 West Paris voters approved the purchase of a new mini-pumper for the West Paris Fire Department for $413,996 at the annual town meeting March 7.

The 2025 Ford fire truck is being assembled at a factory and will be delivered to the town in early April, Fire Chief Michael Henderson said Feb. 24.

Town Manager Joy Downing said residents asked many questions before ultimately approving the purchase during the meeting at Ring-McKeen American Legion Post 151.

The truck, which can hold 300 gallons of water, will replace an older 700-gallon fire truck the department sold, Henderson said. The mini-pumper can reach tighter locations, provide needed services and cost less than a larger truck, he said.

Funding for the truck came from the fire truck reserve account, protection-assigned fund balance, fire department-assigned fund balance and the unassigned fund.

Children in the Explorers Program, under the direction of Eileen Storck, served refreshments during a break in the nearly three-hour meeting moderated by Vern Maxfield.

Voters also approved $17,311 for security and related costs at the former Agnes Gray School at 170 Main St., including new locks, bond payments, liability insurance and electricity for parking lot lighting.

The two-story, wood-framed school was built in the late 1800s and most recently served elementary students. Maine School Administrative District 17 abruptly closed it in February 2024 after receiving a report that cited numerous code violations that made it unsafe to use. It was eventually boarded up to prevent vandalism. The town took ownership of the property in November 2025 by a 109-2 vote.

Residents voted to take ownership of Wayside Cemetery on Main Street. The cemetery, one of 10 in town, had been maintained by Cindy Cox Edmunds and Elaine Emery.

Voters reelected Wade Rainey to another three-year term on the Select Board. Water district trustee Janet Hebert also was reelected.

Resident Steve McCann received a plaque from Downing recognizing 20 years of service on the planning board, his work organizing the annual West Paris Downhill Derby races, assembling and disassembling the town ice rink and leading the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Another recognition honored Gregg Inman, who served on the West Paris Fire Department and the West Paris Water District. He died in 2025.