PARIS – A public hearing on the proposed $3.2 million budget for fiscal year 2008 will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday at the town office.

The budget, which includes SAD 17 and Oxford County assessments, is $171 less than last year’s, and the town’s tax rate will remain at $3.50 per $1,000 of value.

Both the Budget Committee and selectmen have approved the budget, although not without discussion over whether further cuts are needed. The budget eliminates part-time positions in the town office and highway department as well as three reserve officer positions at the Paris Police Department.

The Budget Committee initially rejected the final budget in a 5-4 vote before approving it in another 5-4 decision. On Monday, David Ivey, vice chairman of the selectmen, motioned for Town Manager Sharon Jackson to prepare two additional budgets with lower tax rates for review by the town.

“I really think we need to offer some alternatives,” Ivey said. “I don’t think we should recommend it before the public hearing.”

The motion was defeated 3-1, and selectmen approved the budget along the same split.

Jackson has recommended no further cuts, saying they would have a detrimental effect on town services and may lead to further personnel cuts.