NEW SHARON – At a special town meeting on Saturday, Milton Sinclair was elected selectman to fill a vacancy which expires in March of 2016. Voters also approved appropriating money from surplus to hire an assessor’s agent and replace the failed heating system in the building used by the fire department.

The special town meeting was called after selectman Forrest Bonney resigned over concerns about the inexperience of the board. Long time selectman Maynard Webster lost his re-election bid to newcomer Travis Pond in March. Bonney had 3 years experience while Lorna Nichols was elected to the board a year ago.

Sheriff Scott Nichols, Sr. had announced his plan to run for the vacancy after verifying that a sheriff or a spouse could serve but last week decided not to run.

After his nomination from the floor Sinclair said, “I hope I can do the job you want.”

Sinclair responded to questions from several residents relating to selectman Travis Pond being the son of road commissioner John Pond. “Travis won’t vote and removes himself whenever roads are discussed,” Sinclair said. He expects there will be a give and take between Lorna and himself. “I’m a conservative, but things need to be done,” he said.

One resident suggested holding an informational meeting if there are major disagreements to get the town’s viewpoint.

Sinclair received 118 votes out of the 121 ballots cast.

Voters approved $10,000 be appropriated from surplus to hire an assessor’s agent, with remaining funds at year end being placed in a separate account for similar use in ensuing years. Proposed amendments to reduce that amount to $4,000 and $6,000 failed. 

Lorna Nichols referred to Travis Pond’s suggestion to cut each selectman’s pay by $2,000 and use the money saved to hire an assessor’s agent. No money was ever appropriated or set aside at the town meeting and since a special meeting had to be called, an article was included for that consideration. “The $10,000 would include the $6,000 resulting from the vote at town meeting. That money went into surplus,” she said.

The final article was also approved. $3,100 will be appropriated from surplus for a new heating system for the fire department. Resident Jeff Harris asked if money wasn’t put aside for the fire department each year. Selectman Nichols said she had checked with Maine Municipal Association. Because it was not included in the line item budget, the town is not legally authorized to spend money for the heating system, she said.