GOULDSBORO, Maine — The town of Gouldsboro has voted overwhelmingly to keep its police department with a vote of 395-169. That's about 70% of the town.
It wasn't the outcome those who put the question on the ballot wanted, "I'm happy it's over. I am. I'm glad we had the opportunity to vote." Becky Irwin said.
Irwin was the brains behind the citizen's petition that got the question on the ballot on the first place.
The police chief and town manager resigned before the vote was held.
Town manager, Sherri Cox says she thinks the vote might have been different had the police chief not stepped down.
"Cause there were some questions about some personality. It was more of an emotional vote for some people then it was for the actual dollar figure that it was going to save the town," Cox said.
There was some confusion surrounding this special election because the town had to push back the date. So voters cast their ballots two weeks later than planned.
Cox says this was a clerical mistake as the required documents weren't signed.
"Without those signatures, the state makes it invalid," she said.
Some say it's possible the turnout could have been higher had the election not been moved.
"People, especially in the summertime, had made plans to vote that day," Gouldsboro resident, Melinda Boumans said.
At this week's select board meeting the only full-time police officer had a conversation with the community about the future of the department. Members of the community are optimistic for that future.