CANTON — Selectmen decided at their Thursday meeting to file a claim in small claims court and to file a complaint with the board that regulates accountants against Melinda Way and The Financial Way.

Way has failed to complete an audit of the town books that was due in September, selectmen said. The town paid The Financial Way $3,500 in advance, with an additional $1,000 due when the audit was finished. The town has retained another firm for $6,000 to complete the audit.

Way has also failed to return bank books and other financial records to the town, according to town officials. The town was able to obtain duplicates of critical documents.

While the final report has not been submitted, the new auditors say there is no missing money.

The town’s attorney, John W. Conway, of Linnell, Choate & Webber, said his phone calls to Way have gone unanswered and both certified mail and regular mail to The Financial Way have been returned as undeliverable. He recommended taking legal action to recover the town’s money, if Way can be found.

In other action, after repeated floods in parts of Canton, the town obtained grants to buy out residents in the flood plain. Part of this program was to help displaced residents find equal housing in Canton or surrounding towns.

If an equal home could not be obtained for the buyout price of a home that was mortgage-free, a Community Development Block Grant provided the homeowner an interest-free loan to buy an equivalent home. Diane Ray, coordinator of the project, said the town of Canton holds the mortgage on such loans, which become due when the owners sell or otherwise dispose of the houses.

One of the four recipients of the loans, who purchased a home in Dixfield, has failed to pay utility bills and taxes. Dixfield plans to foreclose on the property if $6,606 is not paid by Dec. 20.

Selectmen will hold a special meeting to approve paying the bill to Dixfield and foreclosing on the property to recover that payment plus their $64,000 mortgage. Selectmen made it clear that if they have to pay Dixfield, they will foreclose on the house and sell it to recover the town’s money.

Selectmen reluctantly accepted the resignation of Kathleen Hutchins, chairwoman of the Canton Planning Board.

In other business, Board of Selectmen Chairman and Canton fire Chief Shane Gallant reported the Canton Fire Department Boosters and the newly formed Canton Fire Department Auxiliary bought a freezer for use by the town food pantry. In its four-month existence, the Auxiliary has raised more than $2,000 for the Fire Department.

The department replaced the 1999 ambulance it used as a “squad truck” to transport personnel and equipment. The truck was given to the Region 9 School of Applied Technology for use in their fire science and auto science programs.

Gallant said Canton is participating in the New England Fire and EMS Swap and Sell program. Through this program, fire departments and emergency medical services can swap or sell surplus equipment.