TURNER — Town Manager Kurt Schaub described to selectmen Monday night an “interesting” detail in the way the Androscoggin County budget has been operated.

Schaub said he attended the seven-hour county budget meeting last week when deep cuts were made across most categories. However, a total of $25,000 was added for legal fees, bringing the total to $75,000, he said.

According to Schaub, commissioners have the ability to “reach across” one budget to balance the shortfalls of another.

In addition, he said items outside of the scope of a budget were billed directly to the accounts of other budgets, making the boundaries of each nearly indistinguishable.

He said one could find out where funds were being spent if one looked closely.

In other business, the board unanimously approved junkyard renewal applications for Lester Quimby and Jesse Walker, and two for David Richardson, after a public hearing.

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Boutin said he had no issues when he inspected the sites. 

Turner Rescue Chief Lisa Bennett was given approval to purchase a Stryker ambulance cot. She negotiated a price of $12,500, saving the town up to $6500. The cot is powered to lift up to 750 pounds, and allows two people to safely and comfortably lift from one side.

The board voted 4-1 to approve a purchasing policy that gives the board authority to vote on all contracts entered into on behalf of the town. Previously, contracts for $25,000 or more required board approval.

Chairman Kurt Youland voted against it because most purchases for a lesser amount usually require no contract.