PALMYRA — Selectmen in Palmyra were deadlocked again Wednesday night as they attempted to conduct weekly business.

With only four board members attending, the vote remained 2-2 on several issues including the appointment of a new administrative assistant and paying the weekly bills.

The town has been without an administrative assistant since the board refused to renew the appointment of Elizabeth Amsel in April without advertising for new applicants. Amsel elected not to apply under those conditions and the board has been unable to fill the position.

Attempts were made in late June to appoint one of the recent applicants for the position. Selectmen could not agree on a salary amount for one candidate, and the person would not accept a lower pay. The stand was upheld Wednesday night, when Chairman Victor Kimball emphasized he was not interested in hiring personnel who “starts out telling us how we will pay them.”

The applicant reportedly wanted a salary based on the annual appropriation rather than the weekly wage set by the board. Kimball saw the proposal as granting a bonus before the person was evaluated.

A second applicant also was not acceptable because of concerns about her elected position in another town. The board deadlocked again on the motion.

Kimball tabled the issue to the next meeting.

When Selectmen Carlton Preble and Priscilla McWilliams refused to sign the weekly warrant for bills, Kimball said the bills would get paid next week when the absent board member is present. Preble and McWilliams reportedly refused to sign a warrant that included attorneys’ fees dealing with the unemployment claims and appeals of two former employees.

After brief bickering, the board agreed to try again to return the controversial, and costly, lightbulbs and cleaner. Several weeks ago, a bill surfaced for the items for more than $350, but without a purchase order or explanation, the board refused payment. Preble was accused of placing the order, but he did not acknowledge the accusation.

Other issues tabled to the next meeting include a proposal to pay for a three-year extended reporting period on liability insurance canceled June 30. The board also will discuss plans for a special town meeting to appropriate funds to carry general expenses through the year. An executive session is scheduled with a town employee on a dispute about a job description.