WILTON – Officials decided Tuesday to advertise for a code enforcement officer to replace Katharine Shoaps. She resigned after only a few months on the job due to a family illness. Selectmen signed a letter of appreciation to her.

At their last meeting, selectmen agreed to contact two applicants they had considered when they hired Shoaps last spring, rather than advertising the position, in order to save money. Town Manager Peter Nielsen said those two individuals were no longer available. He said three other people have expressed interest in the position.

Advertisements for the position will run in three newspapers this weekend, Nielsen said. The deadline to return the applications is January 4. Selectmen Keith Swett and Norman Gould, who both also serve on the town’s Planning Board, will work with Nielsen to conduct interviews in early January. Swett has been doing some of the code enforcement officer duties since Shoaps left.

The town is also looking for residents interested in being considered for appointment to the Planning Board. Those applications are due back Jan. 5. Applications are available at the Town Office.

In other business, officials signed a mutual aid agreement for fire department services, after discussing a clause in the contract that had prompted concerns by some selectmen.

Selectman Rodney Hall asked why wording in the contract – which states that the fire chief could at his own discretion take equipment and personnel wherever he chooses – could not be eliminated. Selectman Russ Black agreed.

Franklin County Emergency Management Director Tim Hardy pointed out that the fire chief is a duly authorized agent of the town. He said any future problems can be brought to the attention of the Franklin County Fire Chiefs Association.

“I think you’ve got to have more confidence in me at this time,” Fire Chief Sonny Dunham told officials.

Chairman Jeff Rowe said that if the department ever lacked equipment for some reason, another department would step in.

Hardy said that any changes to the agreement would have to be brought before the county fire chiefs for approval. Nielsen also pointed out that the contract states that either side can withdraw from the contract with 30 days’ notice.

Officials also signed the Franklin County disaster-preparedness plan, which allows the town to apply for federal money for projects that prevent or lessen damage from storms, fires and flooding. The grants could also be used to repair damage caused by such disasters.

“There might be some opportunity to get some work done that we wouldn’t have provisions made for otherwise,” Nielsen said. He said projects in Wilton would include repairing a problem with culverts on the Cemetery Road.

Selectmen also voted to adopt a 2005 budget proposal for the water department totaling $522,326.29. Water and Sewer Department Superintendent Russ Mathers said there will be no rate increases.

Nielsen told officials the Maine Chiefs of Police Association will begin its review of the Wilton Police Department on Jan. 5 and 6. The review is expected to be completed in 90 days.