GILEAD – Residents will act on 44 articles when they gather Saturday night at the old Town Hall.

Although Administrative Assistant Beverley Corriveau isn’t sure what the dollar total would be if all articles are passed, she said she believes the number will be pretty close to last year’s budget of $431,482.

That figure called for a $15.50 tax rate on each $1,000 valuation.

New this year is a request for $1,550 for signs to be erected on about half of the town’s streets and two wooden welcoming signs on each end of the village. Corriveau said the town hopes to buy signs for the remaining 12 streets next year. The decision to buy street signs is partially tied to the new E-911 emergency communication system now in effect in most of Oxford County.

Residents will also be asked whether they want to eliminate the position of road commissioner.

Corriveau said selectmen believe the town could save money by contracting out road maintenance services such as plowing and salting, patch work and paving. The town maintains Bog and North roads, Depot Street and several others.

Voters will elect one selectmen for a three-year term. The seat is currently held by Arthur Taylor, a veteran selectmen for more than 15 years. Voters will also elect a selectman to fill out the remaining two years of a term started by Gerald Milot. He plans to resign at town meeting, said Corriveau.

Other seats up for election include: a three-year term on the school committee, currently held by Corriveau; one-year terms for treasurer and town clerk, currently held by Lin Chapman; and a one-year term as tax collector, now held by Corriveau. All nominations are made from the floor.

This is the town’s bicentennial year. Residents will have a chance to buy a book on the history of the town and a picture book of historical photos at the town meeting.

The meeting opens at 7 p.m.

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