WEST PARIS – After considering a 76-article town meeting warrant Saturday, voters approved a municipal operating budget totaling $795,445, which is down from the $813,901 OK’d last year.

The figure, however, will be lowered to $505,595 with the use of $289,850 in revenues and surplus to reduce taxes.

Major accounts, amounting to 88 percent of the budget, include $292,000 for roads, $110,000 for solid waste disposal, $80,000 for administration, and $66,050 for the fire department. All other accounts range from $200 to slightly over $20,000. When compared to the $578,901 arrived at in 2003, this year’s municipal appropriation will show a total decrease of $73,306.

The selectmen, however, reminded voters that what was approved Saturday does not include the assessments for SAD 17 and the Oxford County tax, both of which are expected to increase. Considering a possible total for those costs of around $775,000, the final figure for 2004 will once again be about $1.3 million.

The biggest issue regarding the budget concerned the $85,000 approved for the new plow truck. It was only approved with the stipulation that a special town meeting be scheduled for later this spring. At that time consideration will be given to using the balance of the Highway Capital Equipment Reserve Account (about $30,000) and borrowing the remainder of the cost for a time to be specified later. If such a plan should be approved, it would further reduce the tax commitment needed to run the town for the coming year. Date, time and place will be announced as soon as the needed figures are obtained for the plan.

About 160 residents attended Saturday’s meeting, which was moderated by Woodstock Town Manager Vern Maxfield.