POLAND — Selectmen voted 5-0 Tuesday night to continue to stand with the 12 Androscoggin County towns in their lawsuit charging county commissioners violated either the county charter or state law when they voted to set their salaries and benefits.

The action was taken in response to a settlement agreement sent to officials in the 12 towns by Beth Bell, chairwoman of the Board of Commissioners.

The settlement agreement sought to bring an end to the civil action undertaken by the towns and, by accepting the agreement, it would have meant the end of the lawsuit.

The lawsuit objects to the commissioners’ interpretation of who has final say over the commissioners’ salaries and benefits.

The towns argue that the county Budget Committee, by a supermajority vote, had the final say.

The commissioners argue that the new county charter rendered the Budget Committee’s vote advisory only.

In offering the settlement, Bell noted that the voters of Androscoggin County on Nov. 3 had overwhelmingly supported the charter amendment proposed by the commissioners. The vote was 12,186 to 5,546.

The charter amendment, prepared by lawyers representing the commissioners in the lawsuit brought on by the towns, was written with the intent to allow the commissioners the final say over their compensation.

Many found the language in the charter amendment confusing.

“The question on the ballot was very misleading,” Town Manager Bradley Plante said. “Many people thought (by voting yes on the amendment) they were giving final authority to the Budget Committee.”

In voting to stay the course in pursuit of a court judgment, selectmen stipulated that the town’s financial commitment remain at the $1,800 previously approved.

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