RUMFORD – Residents will have a chance to ask questions and make comments on the proposed town budget at a hearing at 6 p.m. tonight at Mountain Valley High School.

Then, on June 12, they will vote on the budget at referendum, one article at a time, rather than at a traditional town meeting.

Acting Town Manager Stacy Carter said if all articles and special requests are approved as recommended by selectmen, the municipal budget would be $7,564,454. In a few instances, totaling about $46,000 less, the Finance Committee disagreed with selectmen.

The differences are $10,000 in the general government account, $1,000 in the police account, $4,000 in public safety, $23,000 in the fire department account, and about $8,500 in the unclassified account.

Whether voters approve selectmen’s recommendations or the Finance Committee’s recommendations, the figure will be higher than allowed under the state tax cap law. Voters will decide whether to go over the state-approved increase of $132,362 at the June 12 election.

Last year, at a traditional town meeting, voters approved a budget of $7,295,260.

Thursday’s hearing will be led by board Chairman Jim Rinaldo. Questions will be directed to selectmen or to the Finance Committee.

The municipal budget does not include the as-yet undetermined SAD 43 assessment or the Oxford County tax of $449,044, which is down about $34,000 from this year.

Voters will also be asked to attend an abbreviated town meeting on June 4 where they will elect a moderator, act on the annual municipal report, set payment dates for property taxes, and establish salaries for municipal officials. They will also have a chance to ask more questions about the proposed budget.