RUMFORD — The Board of Selectmen will be holding a public hearing at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Rumford Auditorium prior to the selectmen’s meeting at 7 p.m. to give residents the opportunity to discuss the upcoming Aug. 27 budget vote.

The proposed municipal budget was initially rejected by voters June 11. Then, eight of 12 budget articles were rejected July 23, forcing the selectmen and the Finance Committee to regroup and submit new recommendations.

The new budget recommendations that residents will vote for on Aug. 27 are as follows:

* $655,000 for the Fire Department

* $738,774 for the Police Department

* $922,030 for Public Works

* $652,683 for Public Safety

* $78,000 for General Assistance

* $799,080 for General Government

* $423,000 for Capital Accounts

* $1,390,700 for Unclassified Accounts

Because Rumford splits its recommendations between selectmen and the Finance Committee, a minority vote for neither recommendation can decide the matter if it tops both numbers. That’s what happened with eight articles during the July 23 vote.

Unlike the previous budget recommendations, the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee agreed upon the same recommendations for the Aug. 27 vote.

During the 7 p.m. selectmen meeting, the board will entertain a request from Envision Rumford to close Exchange Street between Congress Street and River Street for the Crossroads International Celtic Festival Street Fair on Sept. 14.

The Crossroads International Celtic Festival is a five-day celebration of Celtic music in Franklin and Oxford counties. The festival will consist of live music, dances, visual art, a number of different outdoor events and community meals.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com

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