RUMFORD – Residents voted 1,547 to 1,018 to amend the town’s charter so the municipal budget and initiated articles are decided by referendum at the polls rather than a show of hands at an annual town meeting.

The move to change the traditional town meeting began several months ago with a petition signed by more than 1,000 residents asking for the change.

Proponents of the amendment said more people would act on the budget if they could do so in private, rather than by the few who attend the annual June town meeting. In recent years, an average of 125 to 150 people have turned out for the meeting.

Advocates for maintaining the traditional town meeting have said that open discussion can take place at a town meeting, and it can’t at referendum. Changes could be made on the spot.

With the passage of the amendment, a town meeting will be still be held, but no budget issues would be acted on. Such things as land transactions and other special matters could still be dealt with. The town meetings would also be a chance for people to ask questions.

Residents would have other opportunities to clarify various parts of the proposed budget by attending public hearings held by the Finance Committee and selectmen.

If an item is voted down during the June primary election, it will be reviewed by selectmen, then another public hearing will be held, and another vote. In the meantime, the previous year’s budget amount will be used to operate the department.

However, if an initiated article is turned down, no funding will be provided to the agency or special request for a year.

Neighboring Mexico approved a similar town meeting change Tuesday by a vote 702-399.