BUCKFIELD — After hearing from its insurance company, the Select Board last week agreed to cover the damage to Fire Chief Adam Dupile’s personal vehicle during a storm last month.

A tree branch fell on a fender and the bumper, according to Town Manager Cameron Hinkley. The town’s insurance policy does not cover vehicles owned by town employees.

“The chief’s personal auto is not covered under the town’s policy,” Kyes Insurance account manager Jamie Hellgren in a letter to the board. “For there to be coverage, the town would need to own the vehicle and have it listed in the auto schedule.”

JRB Autobody in Turner estimated the cost of repairs at nearly $5,500. The money will come from the fire department capital reserve account.

In other business

The town is working to reestablish the Boston Post Cane, which is awarded to the town’s oldest resident. First established in Buckfield in 1909, the cane will be kept in the Town Office, library or historical society.

Selectman Azalea Cormier is working to finalize the details.

The town has not awarded the cane in about 20 years.

Due to an unexpected increase in call volume and higher maintenance repairs than expected, the Fire Department has spent 66% of its budget with more than six months left in the fiscal year. To address the impending shortage, Hinkley has directed Dupile to cut day coverage in the station from five days to three.

The town manager has also asked to be informed of any purchases of more than $500.

“It’s nobody’s fault. It’s just reality,” Hinkley said.