RUMFORD – Selectmen approved placing the proposed SAD 43 budget on the June 10 election ballot. They also agreed Thursday to seek bids for a new grader and police cruiser.

Town Manager Jim Doar said bids for the grader, estimated to cost around $200,000, are expected back in time for the board to award a contract by the June 5 selectmen’s meeting.

He said the town has put money into a public works capital account that enables the purchase of such a large piece of equipment without having to borrow. The bid for the police cruiser is also expected back in time for board action on the fifth.

Also on Thursday, selectmen agreed to spend about $17,000 in cable franchise fees to improve Municipal Auditorium acoustics.

Kevin Saisi had asked that some of money be used to add a second local cable access channel that would focus on governmental affairs.

Doar said that the town ended the winter with an overage of $81,000 for clearing roads. He said money will be found within the public works account.

A public hearing on the proposed $7.3 million municipal budget will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22, in the Municipal Auditorium.