Steve Pelletier Steve Pelletier (left) stands by while John Shoum, of Gray, signs a petition to put the question of Gray Dispatch on the ballot. Pelletier was circulating the petition at the Transfer Station. (Photo Matt Perry)

At one table opponents of the transfer gathered signatures on a petition that would force a referendum on the issue. At another sat supporters of the move, who were trying to discourage signers.

Petitioners say they gathered more than 400 signatures at the polling place, adding to about 600 that had already been collected. They need about 900 valid signatures of Gray voters to put the issue on the ballot next June.

Proponents of the move say it will save the Town as much as $100,000 a year without affecting service; opponents worry that Gray's legendary response may suffer. And many are angry at the Town Council's abrupt closing of Gray Dispatch last Friday.