PARIS — The town Budget Committee will hold a public hearing on its recommended 2013-14 budget at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the town office.

Last week, the committee proposed a $6.9 million spending plan. To reach that amount, it eliminated the town manager’s request for raises for nonunion town employees, money to operate the little-used  ice skating rink, money for 23 street lights and reduced funding to the Hannibal Hamlin Library to $500.

The result was a budget that’s the same as this year.

On Monday, the Board of Selectmen also made its budget recommendations. Most of the budget committee’s recommendations were approved, but the board opted not to eliminate raises. Instead, selectmen voted 4-1 for a 1.5 percent pay increase rather than Town Manager Amy Bernard’s recommended 2.5 percent.

Bernard said Tuesday that the selectmen’s recommended budget represented a $50,000 increase over last year’s.

The board agreed that employees deserved a raise. There were no raises for two years, but a 3 percent raise was given last year. Selectman Robert Wessels recommended a 1 percent raise.

Chairman Sam Elliot said that taxpayers were already paying for raises for SAD 17 employees, and the town should take care of its own employees. “I think we need to do something for our people,” he said.

Vice Chairman Robert Kirchherr said that as “an act of good faith,” a 1.5 percent raise would be more fair.

The board voted 4-1 for a 1.5 percent raise, with Wessels opposed.

treaves@sunjournal.com