HARTFORD – Property owners can expect a slight increase in taxes this year because revenue is down, selectmen said Thursday.

Even though the municipal budget has dropped from $730,000 in 2007-08 to $710,000 for 2008-09, less revenue means taxes will go up.

The 2009-10 budget is $7,299 below the estimated LD1 limit.

The summer road budget is reduced to $225,765. The Road Committee voted to approve a one-year plan to repair Ricker Hill Road, but it must be approved by selectmen.

Selectman Lee Holman is running unopposed for re-election to a three-year term.

Road Commissioner Jeremy Johnson is running for re-election and is opposed by Lisa Renaud-Walton for a two-year term.

Elections will be held June 9.

The town will be asked to elect or appoint five Budget Committee members as well as a director for General Assistance and an assessor at the town meeting June 11.

A couple attended the meeting to request a lower speed limit in the town center where they live. They have several small children and they also take foster children, one of which has special needs.

The board agreed to draft a letter to the state Department of Transportation requesting a lower speed limit in the area on Route 140 in front of the Town Office toward the intersection of Route 219.

Marjory Kraske asked the board to allow the Food Pantry to move from the Hartford Community Church to the kitchen in the Town Hall.

Selectmen approved and Chairman Jack Plumley offered to help as well as donate materials. The closet will occupy one end of the kitchen.

Holman announced the Rural Community Action Ministry will hold its seed distribution from 1 to 2 p.m. May 18. This distribution is for people who need seeds to plant vegetable gardens.

The board also accepted two contracts from David Bragg Excavation and Will’s Logging for summer road work.

A hearing on the Floodplain Ordinance brought two changes from the state ordinance. The fee for new construction in the floodplain was raised to $100 and an after-the-fact building permit tripled. If a tree is dead or hazardous, it may be removed in the shoreland zone with a permit for $25.