KINGFIELD – Selectmen will send the annual town budget and warrant to the printer Tuesday.

At their Monday night meeting, they took a last look at all department costs in anticipation of possible questions from voters at the June 16 town meeting. Administrative Assistant Douglas Marble said the $770,000 budget increased only $3,000 from last year, even with the increases in fuel costs and equipment repairs and replacements.

“That’s less than one half of one percent of an increase,” he said.

Marble explained some costs can be trimmed, but the money to pay for heating oil, insurance, and sand and salt for winter roads are not easily negotiated. Cost for the Fire Department’s protective gear, radio repairs, and fuel are budget items that are steadily increasing. The town also will pay more toward the SAD 58 budget for 2012-2013. Kingfield’s share will be $1,315,417, an increase of $85,650.

“Our equipment is getting old, and we’re looking at ways to upgrade our wastewater treatment system,” Marble said.

Selectmen allocated $3,500 for last year’s shuttle bus that takes skiers from the town to Sugarloaf and back on weekends and school vacation weeks during the winter season. The Recreation Department has asked for an additional $500, but selectmen want to review the number of skiers who use the free shuttle.

“How many people rode the bus last year?” selectman Merv Wilson asked. “Do we have any numbers?”

Marble will ask the Recreation Department for a breakdown of Sugarloaf employees, students, adults, and residents from other towns who have been using the service. Selectman Heather Moody suggested that asking businesses to share the costs may be an option to review.

“We can’t pay any more than $3,500,” she said.