CHINA -- "I wonder if you guys could order some more snow. We're getting bored," plowing contractor Tony Cowing joked to selectmen Monday evening.

They're also getting broke, because, Cowing and father and son Scott and Stephen Childs said, the price of diesel fuel has gone up about $1.20 a gallon in the last 14 months.

Their plow trucks get three miles per gallon or less when they're pushing heavy snow around, the contractors said.

Stephen Childs added that, because the cost of steel has risen, they're paying more for replacement parts, too. The cutting edges China buys under the current plowing contracts have saved them money; but, Stephen Childs said, his wear out fast on the very rough Weeks Mills Road.

Because of the changed economy, the contractors asked for an increase in their hourly rate for plowing for China, even though their three-year contracts have a year to run.

Scott Childs reminded the board that when contracts were negotiated, the board discussed the possibility of a rate increase if fuel prices went up.

"I wish I could tell you I don't remember that conversation, but I do," board Chairman Elwood Ellis said.

Selectmen agreed unanimously to a $5-an-hour increase retroactive to Feb. 1 and continuing for the life of the contract or until amended again.

China's plowing contractors will now get $80 an hour, Cowing said.

The contractors and Town Manager Daniel L'Heureux agreed that China probably still pays less than surrounding towns do. Comparisons are difficult because most other towns pay by the mile rather than by the hour, L'Heureux said.

Selectmen approved spending a little more money on a different project Monday evening, and they conditionally approved an emergency 911 dispatching arrangement that should save a few dollars.

Selectman Neil Farrington's plan to give out recycling tokens at the transfer station, redeemable against costs of disposing of furniture, demolition debris and other items for which fees are charged, was unanimously accepted.

The board approved spending $425 plus shipping for 5,000 tokens, referred to as wooden nickels.

As recommended by town fire and rescue chiefs, selectmen authorized L'Heureux to seek Public Utilities Commission approval to have emergency services dispatched through Somerset County and the city of Waterville, instead of the Kennebec County dispatch center.

The agreement, to be implemented if radio communications are satisfactory, means Somerset County will answer all 911 calls from China; Waterville will dispatch rescue, ambulance and fire services; and the Kennebec County center will dispatch police.

This arrangement is expected to cost China $8.25 per resident for this year, compared to $10 per resident charged by the Kennebec County center for all services. In addition, L'Heureux estimated it will cost about $3,000 to install China's radios in Waterville's console.

In other business:

n Board members tabled action on requesting different signage for the intersection of Neck Road and Causeway and Main streets in China Village to their March 31 meeting, after discussing resident Michael Petrone's contention that the intersection is dangerous.

n L'Heureux asked anyone interested in volunteering for the new Board of Assessment Review to get in touch with him immediately. Selectmen might appoint board members at their March 17 meeting.

n Selectmen signed the annual dog warrant, raising the late fee to $25 per unlicensed dog and authorizing Animal Control Officer Peter Cote to contact owners and, if necessary, institute legal proceedings.