For the first time in several years, a different contractor could be plowing Alna’s roads next winter. Mark Hanley has declined to renew his contract with the town, so selectmen will be putting the work out to bid, First Selectman David Abbott said.

Hanley still has the option to submit a bid, but it’s not known if he will, Abbott said on May 23. Hanley did not immediately return a message seeking comment. His contract for the 2013-2014 plowing season was for $161,095, Town Clerk Amy Warner said.

Abbott praised Hanley’s service. “He’s done a very good job of plowing. We’ve been very happy with him and we’d just as soon he did it again.

“But we don’t know who it will be. It’s kind of up in the air. The board will put it out to bid and we’ll see what happens.”

Selectmen had a continuing arrangement with Hanley, under which they didn’t go out to bid as long as they remained satisfied with his work.