CHESTERVILLE — The town has paid $500 to buy out its contract for two photocopiers, which it will keep, Board of Selectmen Chairman Guy Iverson said.

Three years ago, selectmen entered a six-year lease with Transco for $160 per month, but the lease was not ratified by voters, as required for multi-year leases.

In September 2016, residents voted not to ratify the contract.

In December 2016, U.S. Bank, financier for the copiers, offered the town a chance to buy out the remaining three years of the contract for $2,656 and the town could keep the machines.

Selectmen agreed to have town attorney Frank Underkuffler submit a counteroffer of $500. However, Underkuffler suggested offering $1,750, based on the cost of new and refurbished models.

Selectmen stuck with their $500 offer, which was accepted with the condition the money be paid by Feb. 14, which it was, Iverson said.

“Underkuffler said the payment was a bill, not purchasing, so a town vote wasn’t required” to spend the $500.

In other business at Thursday’s meeting, selectmen held an executive session after which they voted to hire Chesterville native Aaron Forbes as an on-call employee for Public Works for $15 an hour.  

Public Works Road Foreman Mike Cote said previously that more people were needed because of the number of storms this winter. Current on-call employees want 20 hours a week but no more, he said.

“Plowing’s not that bad,” Forbes said. “I’ve done it and have a good idea of what needs to be done.” 

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net