RUMFORD – Selectmen have decided to delay a vote by townspeople on whether to pursue plans to build a new fire station until more details are available.

Town Manager Robert Welch had said original plans were to ask residents at the annual town meeting in June whether they want a new station. But following a recent selectmen’s meeting, the board decided to wait until the cost, location and details about a new station are known.

If a special town meeting is needed for public action, then one will be called at that time. He said townspeople will likely vote on whether to build the facility, decide whether to accept or approve land for the station, and act on bonds to finance the project.

The local fire station, a vintage 1925 solid brick ornate building, is located in the downtown area. Fire Department spokesmen have said that although the building is in excellent condition, it can no longer successfully house the equipment that has become larger over the years. It also lacks space for training and for offices that support the growing number of duties the Fire Department now assumes.

The town has appropriated funds for a study over the past two years. Consultants who specialize in fire station issues have recommended the construction of a new, modern facility to be located close to the downtown area.

In other matters, Welch said the board agreed to present for public vote a request by the local all-terrain-vehicle club that it receive $1 for each ATV registered. Currently, ATVs are registered with the town and the money goes to the state, which then returns $1 per registration to the town. Welch said 331 ATVs were registered in Rumford last year.

To make the change, residents must approve a bylaw change during the June 10 referendum vote.

Selectmen awarded a two-year contract for lining town roads to Pine State Safety Line Inc. at a cost of $6,835, and a two-year pre-cast concrete contract for manholes and catch basins to Gagne Precast of Veazie at a cost of $34,000.

Selectmen also met in a closed session to discuss the current negotiations with the Fire Department union. That three-year contract expires July 1.