During its Wednesday, April 16 meeting, the Damariscotta Board of Selectmen approved a pair of amendments that will change who can use the town salt and sand sheds.

The amendments will allow Hagar Enterprises to use the salt and sand sheds. In return, Hagar, which holds the snowplow contract for the downtown area, will plow several parking spots that the town previously had to pay extra for.

The town will still have to pick up half of the $5,000 bill for the spaces.

Hagar had been using the sheds, but the amendments allow it to be official.

Selectman Vicki Pinkham asked if the amendments could be put in the hands of the voters.

“Is there any way to bring this to town meeting?” she said.

After Town Manager Matt Lutkus said the amendments were something the selectmen are expected to deal with, Pinkham said that despite Hagar's good work, she was concerned about the conditions.

“I'm opposed to having a private company using town property,” she said. “Nothing against the contractors, but I don't like the thought of having a private company using public property.”

Selectman Robin Mayer said the town would need to get creative as budget season moves forward.

“We are literally pinching pennies together,” she said. “I think if there's a way we can (keep costs down) we need to consider it.”

In the end, the amendments both passed 3-1, with Vicki Pinkham voting against both amendments and Josh Pinkham abstaining.