By Kerri Pepoy,Staff Writer

LOVELL – Voters approved a 2006 budget of $850,410 at the annual town meeting Saturday, an increase of $244,410 from last year’s budget, and re-elected Board of Selectmen Chairman Robert Drew to another three-year term.

The full 2006 budget is to be raised in taxes. The increase this year will be largely driven by $150,000 in upgrades to town roads.

The town spent no money last year to upgrade any roads, said Selectman Stephen Goldsmith.

Voters considered 99 articles at Saturday’s meeting at the Town Hall.

Voters also approved a 5 percent raise for all salaried town employees, including the three selectmen, the public works commissioner, the town clerk/treasurer, the excise tax collector and the code enforcement officer.

The selectmen last year each received a stipend of $3,571.32. The public works commissioner earned $34,386.79; the town clerk/treasurer earned $25,886.09; the excise tax collector was paid $25,686.09; and the code enforcement officer earned $12,039.51.

Residents also approved raising $10,000 for the Lovell Volunteer Fire Department’s new truck fund, $40,000 for the fire protection operating account, and $30,000 to be held by the fire department as a capital fund in anticipation of needed equipment, which will be a joint account with the town.

Voters also approved raising $15,000 for the care and maintenance of town buildings and grounds.

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