The budget passed without an argument, but the fines for cussing, smoking pot in public and shoveling snow in the street drew lengthy debate from the 297 residents who attended town meeting under the glare of a pack of television news cameras.

Although James Thomas motioned to take the cussing article out of order for the convenience of the media, residents shot the move down after former Selectman Lincoln D. Andrews said, “I don’t believe our town meeting should be dictated by the press cycle.”

When the article came up, Police Chief Bruce D. Gates did not present a list of cuss words that would invoke a $20 ticket, explaining it all came down to the discretion of the police officer.

“I don’t see an issue, we have a lot of things to do. This is not a priority,” he said.