PERU – Road project manager Dale Carlton on Monday gave selectmen his preliminary estimates for the capital improvement projects he considers highest priority.

The board discussed whether it was best to include the culverts needed in the bids, rather than getting separate estimates.

Road Commissioner David Gammon thought the town could save money buying them separately. He will discuss this further with Carlton and report to the board.

Selectmen thought Carlton should figure the gravel into the bid packages.

Gammon said he can take care of the ditching and driveway culverts, but the roads would not be dry enough for another three weeks. He and Carlton agreed that the work could possibly begin by July 1.

Chairman Bill Hine said he didn’t want to rush the expensive projects.

Hine told selectmen he discussed the school budget with SAD 21 Superintendent Tom Ward, and if it doesn’t increase more than 1.5 percent, property taxes won’t go up because of school spending.

A school budget is expected to be ready for a vote by May 29. Hine also said he hopes to have Ward come to the next board meeting to discuss the budget.

The board received a letter from Seth Carey requesting to come to a meeting to introduce the proposed resort casino for Oxford County. The board unanimously agreed they were not interested.

Selectmen approved a building permit for David Gammon on Gammon Road for a 40- by 60-foot barn.