BUCKFIELD — At a special meeting of the Buckfield Village Corporation on Wednesday night, voters rejected the purchase of a sprinkler system by a vote of 10 to seven.

The article on the meeting warrant asked voters to authorize the Board of Assessors to withdraw up to $40,000 from the contingency reserve to purchase and install a sprinkler system in the town’s new Fire Rescue Station.

“I brought this to the table because funding was not available from the town’s budget,” BVC Chairman Glen Holmes said. “Members of BVC will all benefit from the sprinkler system as well as members of the town. This is about doing what’s right for the community.”

Holmes said that if the vote passed, the assessors would have their say and then send it to selectmen for the final decision.

Resident Penny Horsfell said the BVC bylaws do not explicitly allow giving away money.

Holmes replied that the bylaws do not disallow it, either.

Daryl Harvey insisted several times that the process was illegal and they shouldn’t be voting on an something that wasn’t legal.

Someone wanted to know if it was to be considered a donation.

Holmes replied, “It is an investment for the town.”

The question arose as to whether the sprinkler system was required. Fire Chief Tim Brooks said that it was not required for the building to be in compliance.

Holmes said the system was in the original budget for the building, but was taken out to reach budget.

An unidentified person suggested it could be brought back to the town if it was needed.

Another person likened the possibility of a fire at the station to a ship fire, saying the worst thing for a ship was to have a fire. They needed to protect the million-dollar building.

Judy Berg mentioned that the pipes were more than 100 years old and needed upgrading with some of BVC’s surplus money.

“We have always been struggling, and now that there is money, don’t give it away. We need roads and a lot of other things. The BVC is lucky to be surviving,” Rosetta Friel said.

Three people were nominated to serve as a BVC assessor. After each made brief statements, Andrew Billing received four votes while Gene Bell and Fred Horsfell each received five votes. Moderator Scott Cole called for a runoff vote and Horsfell won nine votes to five.