"Upon the advice of our attorney, we were recommended to do this," said Select Board Chairman Nelson Brownell. "It's not something the board is taking upon themselves to do."

According to town officials, there were too many questions about the article that will not be answered before the March 4 election, such as constable training, dispatch and cost.

"We can't dive into the water without knowing how deep it is," said Select Board member Don Prouty.

If passed, Brownell said the constable issue will be opened to debate and a series of pubic hearings will be held. It will give the board a year to answer all the questions before the committing to the full-time position, he said.

"I think we're going to explore it even if it doesn't pass," said Brownell.

The article was submitted by petition and the board toiled with the idea of having some of the petitioners form a committee or meet with the board to

"I think we're obligated to explore it," said board member Harry "Hap" Percey.

The board said that it is moving toward more police protection but not as fast as some want. Brownell said that the board increased the constable's wages for this year, which translates into more hours.

Board member Stephen Kauppi said that he has already scheduled a meeting with the state police in February to discuss statistics on the types and numbers of incidents reported in Pownal.

The board also removed a ballot article to change the position from elected to appointed.

"We're going to take this subject up next March," said Brownell.

The board will have to decide how long the appointment will be and the legal steps needed to make the change. Town officials said that the removal was advised by the state elections office.