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By Melanie Creamer Sunday, March 11, 2007

A plan to expand the Board of Selectmen from three members to five narrowly failed, 81-75, during a secret vote at Saturday's town meeting, Alfred Town Clerk Andy Bors said.

All other town warrants passed as written, resulting in a $2.03 million budget. Among the items approved were $475,790 for town salaries, $146,225 for employee benefits, $175,000 for paving roads and $56,930 for the final payment on a firetruck.

The current selectmen opposed the plan to expand the board. Residents in favor had argued that more selectmen would increase the range of opinions and opportunities for discussion.

The close vote sent a signal to town officials, said Carol Thompson, a supporter of the proposal. "To me, (the close vote) was as good as a victory," she said.

In addition to several speakers commenting both for and against the proposal, there was a good deal of discussion about two ordinances involving who should pay for roads and water hookups for new developments, Bors said. The residents voted to amend aspects of the comprehensive plan to spell out that developers, and not the town, would pay for those costs.

Once modified, the issue will go before voters at the next town meeting.