FARMINGTON – Mary Wright, chairwoman of the Board of Selectman, said Monday she was pleased that department heads were, for the most part, able to cut requested budgets for the second year in a row. She warned, though, that cuts in the budget will necessarily mean cuts in services. The current proposal, at $3,767,379, is about 1 percent from the 2004 budget of $3,771,358.

At a meeting with managers, selectmen systematically reviewed budget requests with them.

Most departments cited an increase in heating fuel and gasoline as reasons for increases in some areas of the budget.

Among moving-saving moves is Treasurer Dianna Young’s holding off buying new printers this year, chopping $20,000 from her reserve account.

Steve Shible of parks and recreation eliminated stipend positions of indoor soccer director and travel basketball coaches at a cost of $1,000. He also reduced property improvements by $1,614 and eliminated a $1,000 office equipment fund. However, he had concerns about the state of the Community Building, saying that several items need repairing or replacement including the chimney, brick walls and windows that are more than 26 years old. He suggested a separate item be added to the town’s budget warrant to provide funding for departments that maintain facilities.

“I’m not looking to bankrupt the town but to protect the town’s investment” he said.

Mitch Boulette of public works proposed cutting $2,000 from road construction and $1,000 from sidewalks but also had concerns. The cost for salt has increased and the town is obligated to keep town roads clear and safe. However, the town is also required to replace rotting culverts in the summer for existing driveways. Selectman Charles Murray suggested that Boulette fund these line items at the 2004 level.

“It’s more than pinching pennies,” agreed Wright. “It’s the safety of the people.”

Code enforcement’s proposal for $124,774 is up $1,300 from 2004, mostly due to the need to purchase a new computer for Steve Kaiser, code enforcement officer. Because of its age, Kaiser’s computer software could not be updated and there were concerns about its security. Additionally, Kaiser said he recently received documents from the state he was unable to open.

Both fire and police budgets are proposed to be funded at 2004 levels. Fire Chief Terry Bell said he is investigating the possibility of charging the public for some of their services such as extrication and clean up at motor vehicle accidents or nuisance calls of more than two in one month.