DIXFIELD — Selectmen and Finance Committee members heard the last departmental presentations Monday night and will meet May 2 to finalize a municipal budget for 2011-12.

Town Manager Eugene Skibitsky said officials discussed what roads to fix in the upcoming fiscal year as well as increasing reserve funds for both public works and the Dixfield Fire Company from $180,000 to $234,000.

Skibitsky said the final budget could reflect an 8 percent increase over this year’s $1,888,332. The causes are many.

He said both union and nonunion employees are set to receive 5 percent salary increases. None were provided during the past two years.

Also on the increase is debt service from the purchase of a new firetruck with neighboring Wilton for East Dixfield, higher health insurance premiums and workers’ compensation fees.

The tax rate may rise slightly from the current $16.75 per $1,000 valuation, he said. Much will depend upon the final 2011-12 Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10 budget to be decided in mid-June.

The town’s state value has also increased by just over 2 percent to $150,450,000.

Selectmen and the Finance Committee will meet at 6 p.m. in the town office. Prior to that meeting, the committee will hold a separate session at 6 p.m. April 28.

Residents will vote on the municipal budget beginning at 6 p.m. May 26 at the annual town meeting at Dirigo High School.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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