Brooks

Voters at the annual town meeting Saturday approved an article that will allow selectmen to spend up to $100,000 to renovate the former Fogg House on Route 139 and turn it into a town office and library.

The town bought the building, which is across from the post office, in 2003.

Town Clerk Jane McLaughlin said Tuesday that the local National Guard, an engineering unit, hopes to help the town develop a plan for the property.

Residents voted 88-27 to spend the money.

Residents defeated an article that would have authorized spending to rebuild a portion of Littlefield Road.

In elections, Raymond Shute won the open seat left vacant when longtime Selectman Steve Hall decided not to run again. Hall had served for more than 15 years in the post. Shute defeated Paul Lawrence, 114-10.

Searsmont

Longtime First Selectman Bruce Brierly was returned to the post by voters at the annual town meeting Saturday.

Brierly, who has served for more than 15 years, held off a challenge from Oscar Bryant Jr., 64-15.

In a six-way election for three seats on the planning board, George Sprowl Sr., Peter Jolliffe and Jack DeGraff were elected.

Selectmen addressed concerns aired about the town’s recent purchase of a small plow truck, Town Clerk Kathy Hoey said Tuesday. The truck was purchased for $3,000 and repaired so it could be used to plow the parking lot at the community center and the transfer station site.

Some residents said the purchase should have come before voters, but selectmen said the relatively small expenditure fell within the discretionary spending category allowed without voter approval.