POLAND — Selectmen on Wednesday approved the warrant for the annual town meeting April 6.

Selectman Steve Robinson noted that while the proposed budget calls for slightly reduced spending, anticipated reductions in revenue will likely result in a significant increase in property taxes to be raised.

Town Manager Rosemary Roy estimates that in a worst-case scenario, the town could lose well over $600,000 from state revenue-sharing, motor vehicle excise and the homestead exemption program.

Following a lengthy discussion, selectmen voted to remove an article from the warrant that would have asked townspeople to accept Whaleback Drive as a town road.

Whaleback Drive resident Michelle Arsenault had presented a citizens’ petition that would have placed the question before voters. Arsenault and the 13 other residents of the road had argued that it is in better condition than two-thirds of the town’s roads. It was built in 1993.

Selectmen pointed out that it would be illegal for them to include a warrant article asking for acceptance of a town road that hadn’t gone through the process outlined in the town’s comprehensive land use code.

The motion to include the road acceptance on the warrant was rejected, with four selectmen voting “no.” Selectman Janice Kimball abstained.

In other business, selectmen signed an order calling for public hearings, scheduled for April 16, to determine whether properties at 45 Garland Swamp Road and 348 Mechanic Falls Road should be declared dangerous buildings. If the buildings are found to be dangerous, their owners will be asked to bring them into compliance or the town will proceed to have them demolished.

Selectmen gave Roy authorization to continue discussions with the Communities of Distinction Program to determine if Poland’s participation would prove to be a worthwhile economic development opportunity.

Roy noted that it would cost the town about $20,000 for a five-minute production that would promote the town as a good place to raise a family. She did not believe that money from the town’s downtown tax increment financing district could be used as payment.

Selectmen want to hear from the town’s community and economic development committee before committing to the program.