SUMNER – Auditor David Hoisington gave town financial officers high marks in his report to selectmen Tuesday night.

He said Town Clerk Sue Runes “does a fantastic job” of keeping the town books. He went into great detail on internal controls such as verifying bills before authorizing checks and comparing returned checks to the list of those authorized.

While the selectmen have been routinely doing this, Hoisington suggested having written procedures requiring the completion of the reviews be noted in the town minutes.

The selectmen agreed to institute the additional safeguards he recommended, such as instituting a disaster plan for recovery of computer files and financial records in case of fire or other emergency.

Bids were opened for replacement of the Barrows Road culvert near the town ball field. The four bids ranged from $22,000 to $56,525. David Bragg of Sumner, the low bidder, was awarded the contract. Work will begin Sept. 25. It will require the closing of Barrows Road to through traffic for up to 10 days. Bragg said he will work seven days a week on the project to reduce the time the road is closed.

Selectmen asked Code Enforcement Officer Sidney Abbott to inspect the Hamm property on Fields Hill Road. The town assessor discovered additional buildings had been constructed on the property without completing the required building notification forms. The buildings, which have an assessed value of $24,350, are subject to a 10 percent penalty.

Chairman Mark Silber said that Maine Municipal Association agrees that selectmen have the prerogative to permit ATVs to use town ways. After discussing safety, annoyance of residents and liability issues, selectmen agreed not to allow ATVs to use the roads in excess of limits set by state law. Residents who don’t agree can petition to have the issue voted on at a town meeting.

Resident Danny White wrote a letter to selectmen asking them to reconsider their decision to install “No Engine Brakes” signs in West Sumner. He said the engine brakes increase safety. Several people indicated that use of the noisy device did not improve safety in West Sumner. They said the engine brakes reduce wear on the regular brakes and permit truckers to maintain higher speeds as they approach curves.

Selectmen will write White to inform him they will install the signs because the noisy devices disturb so many residents.