LEEDS – With a significant tax hike not expected, voters at the annual town meeting Saturday will decide if the 174-year-old Town House will become the town’s first public library.

In use until the new municipal building opened last year, the Town House remains in good condition, according to Town Administrator Jane Wheeler. The Town House Committee, which was appointed by the Board of Selectmen, has recommended that it be used as a library and history center, with a genealogical research room. The state would provide books on a rotating basis for the library. Currently, Leeds residents use libraries in Greene, Turner and Monmouth.

The proposed municipal budget is up by $11,000 over last year.

“We tried very hard to keep it at a reasonable level,” Wheeler said.

The tax rate of $20.85 per $1,000 assessed property value may go up slightly, she said.

Leeds taxpayers will have to help fund a proposed SAD 52 budget that is $144,000 more than last year. A $1 tax rate hike would fund approximately $84,732 in increased spending, based on the 2003 valuation.

The town meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Leeds Central School.