BUCKFIELD — The proposed $1.48 million municipal budget to be voted on at the annual town meeting on Saturday, June 18, is down $155,684.96 from last year, according to Town Manager Glen Holmes. The projected mill rate will go from $19.35 to a projected $19.50 per thousand of valuation.

Increases from the county of $6,261 and the RSU 10 budget of $193.244.54 account for the raise in the mill rate.

A request for a Property Assessed Clean Energy ordinance will be acted on by the voters. Loans for winterizing homes will be possible with grant money, but an ordinance must be in place before grants can be considered.

The town voted down the proposed ordinance in November, but proponents have conducted more hearings since then to better educate the public about the positive aspects of the program for saving energy. This is a referendum question to be voted on at the June 14 elections.

Holmes said an increase in the municipal account of $3,382 would enable the town records, which date back to the 1700s, to be moved to the basement where dehumidifiers can better preserve the old documents.

The sand-salt shed needs doors, which accounts for the increase of $7,000 in the Public Works budget, according to Holmes.

Holmes said the increase in the Highway Department of $11,430 is due to increased fuel costs and wages. The town is taking on the care of two more cemeteries for an increase of $7,000.

Holmes said there are areas at the Transfer Station that need resurfacing and that accounts for the $10,430 increase.

The municipal elections will be held at the municipal building on June 14 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m to vote on one selectman, one assessor and one RSU 10 director.

Rodney Allen and Roger Bennett are challenging Selectman John Lowell, who is running for re-election, for a three-year term on the Board of Selectmen.

John Lowell and Rodney Allen are vying for a three-year term as assessor.

Jerald Wiley is running unopposed for the RSU 10 Board of Directors’ seat.

Voters will also be voting on the RSU 10 school budget.

The annual town meeting will start 8 a.m. at the Buckfield High School on June 18 to vote on the 44 Article Warrant.