BUCKFIELD – Selectmen set a tax rate of $19.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value Tuesday night.

Town Manager Glen Holmes and Treasurer Cyndy Dunn both recommended the rate, which is 15 cents lower than this year’s.

It provides $4319.43 in overlay, or surplus over the budget, for unbudgeted expenses such as tax rebates, Holmes said.

Dunn reminded residents that taxes are due Nov. 15, 2011, and May 15, 2012.

Holmes told selectmen the newly constructed Brown Bridge will be open to traffic late next week. The two-lane span replaces an old single lane bridge.

Selectmen reviewed the draft Rescue Department Billing Policy. The policy follows federal and state guidelines. Holmes said the town must bill for all services equally. They can not selectively bill only those clients with Medicare or other insurance. The town’s billing agent will directly bill the client if they do not have proper insurance information, he said.

The department does not bill for responding to fires or accidents or in cases where the patient is not transported. Holmes said the proposed rates are $12 per loaded mile plus $450 for Basic Life Support or $550 for Advanced Life Support.

Holmes reported on his conversation with the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department concerning loud mufflers, screeching tires, and other disturbances. Sheriff Wayne Gallant recommended that residents report such incident by calling 911 rather than waiting until the next day and reporting them to town officials.

Residents expressed interest in starting a Crime Watch group. Holmes and selectmen said the town will support any such effort. Holmes pointed out residents need to step out and get involved. Those interested can talk to Holmes, who will put them in contact with the core group. He said the Sheriff will assign a deputy to provide instructions and material to the group.