RUMFORD – With Tuesday’s vote resoundingly defeating an amendment to the town charter, selectmen must decide what to do about the four positions held by people living outside of town.

Residents voted 622-344 to keep the 55-year-old charter as it is, which stipulates that people holding those positions must live in Rumford.

The positions are sealer of weights and measures agent Jim McDonald of Mexico; plumbing inspector Virgil Cronkright of Bethel; auditor Harold Blake of Hallowell and Town Manager Stephen Eldridge of Monmouth.

Eldridge said Tuesday night following the election that he planned to send 30-day notices to the three people who hold the positions. However, he said on Wednesday that he and the board will consult with town attorney Jennifer Kreckel before taking any steps.

Eldridge has maintained that his three-year contract signed by selectmen is valid. Local attorney Thomas Carey and 19 other Rumford residents are challenging the validity of the contract because Eldridge does not reside in town. Eldridge has been town manager for nearly two years.

McDonald has been sealer of weights and measures for 18 months. The part-time position is usually seasonal, with McDonald checking nearly 60 gas pumps and at least 20 scales a year, usually in September. Between serving Mexico and Rumford as a sealer of weights and measures, McDonald said he earns about $1,200 annually.

Although he said it will be more difficult to continue serving in the position for just one town because the required equipment is jointly owned by the two towns, he said that “a rule is a rule.”

Cronkright could not be reached for comment. However, municipal office personnel said he has been on the job since 1999. The fees for performing plumbing duties are paid by home and business owners.

Blake has served Rumford as its auditor for 13 years. He is finishing the 2005-2006 audit, and has a so-called “engagement letter” to conduct the 2006-2007 audit.

Eldridge said the town pays Blake between $7,000 and $9,000 a year for auditing duties.

Blake said Wednesday afternoon that he is uncertain what Tuesday’s vote means to his company.

“The people of Rumford have the right to make their own rules,” he said, adding that at one time he had considered moving to the town.

He said he doesn’t like the idea of filing a suit against the town because the agreement may be broken.

“The selectmen and I will talk and agree on something that’s fair to everyone. I’m sure we can work out something,” he said.