RUMFORD — Selectmen voted 4-1 Thursday to spend up to $350,000 for Main-Land Development of Livermore Falls to oversee bidding and construction of the $4 million downtown improvement project slated to begin this spring.

Town Manager Linda “L-J” Briggs said the expense would be billed to a bond at this time.

Last June, voters approved borrowing up to $2 million from the Maine Bond Bank for reconstruction on the Business Island and spreading those payments over 15 years. The estimated interest rate is 3½ percent.

Construction will include replacing sewer and storm systems under several streets on the island, and replacing or building sidewalks.

The town is also seeking a Community Development Block Grant for the infrastructure improvements.

Selectman Jim Windover, who opposed Thursday’s vote, said he believed spending up to $350,000 to make sure that the contractor is doing his job was too much.

“We had brought up the fact, in past meetings, that we needed an expert to oversee to make sure we’re getting what we’re supposed to be getting,” Selectman Peter Chase countered. He said overseeing the contractor is only part of what Main-Land will do.

Rick Dunton of Main-Land Development said administration includes consulting costs for dealing with contractors and recommendations for awarding the bids. It also includes someone representing the town staying with the contractor during the two-year project, as well as completing all of the necessary paperwork.

Dunton said there are four potential contractors bidding on the project. He said the plan is for the contract to be awarded at the next selectmen meeting April 6.

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