SACO — Residents voted 4,255 to 3,791 to allow the city to replace or restore the Stackpole Bridge on Simpson Road.

The vote allows the city to borrow up to $990,000 for measures to reopen the bridge, which is currently closed to automobile traffic.

The bridge, built in 1848 at the request of local farmers, is the oldeast stone bridge on a public road in Maine. In 2013, Maine Preservation put the bridge on its annual list of Maine’s most endangered historic properties. Its keyhole-shaped, vaulted stone arch rises 21 feet above Stackpole Creek.

The city has been approved for a low-interest loan through the state to cover $495,000 ”“ half of the cost of the project. City staff have proposed a plan for a 20-year loan to cover the remaining cost of the project, but Mayor Don Pilon has stated he doesn’t think the city needs to bond the remainder of the cost.

The debate on whether to restore or replace the bridge has been ongoing for years. Now that funding has been approved, the city council will decide which option it wants to pursue to reopen the bridge.

Residents in Saco also voted 4,253 to 3,274 to approve a charter amendment that would allow city councilors additional benefits not exceeding their annual salary.

A charter amendment making changes to the section about the Board of Education was approved 5,249 to 2,289 as well. This amendment allows the city council to make changes to the monetary amount of the school board, but does not allow it to alter programs or personnel. It also eliminates the term “regional school unit,” changing it to school department.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].