STRONG — As selectmen began their preliminary review of the 2014 budget, they agreed to start the new year with a raise for the town’s employees.

Full- and part-time employees have not had a raise for three years, according to selectman James Burrill. On Tuesday night, four out of five selectmen agreed that the part-time staff should receive an additional 50 cents per hour and full-time staff will receive an additional 75 cents per hour. Selectmen reviewed each of the cost centers to prepare for any unexpected increases. They agreed in general discussion that each account in December might be close to the budgeted amount, so any amount that exceeds the remainder could require a special town meeting or a warrant article in March.

“Strong is one of the most solvent towns in Franklin County,” selectman Mike Pond said, citing a recent audit report by RHR Smith & Co.’s certified public accountant.

Town clerk Betsey Dubois, Burrill noted, combines her 24-hour-a-week work schedule with her duties as an assistant to Sandra Mitchell, office manager. Although the board agreed to make no decisions to increase her hours, that possibility can be a future budget discussion if needed.

Highway foreman Duayne Boyd said he would like to do more road work next year, which might increase costs if fuel prices or other costs rise. Selectmen debated what funds could be used to pay for both a new roof and siding for part of the office building. The Forster Memorial Building account covers some expenses, according to the Building Committee representative Joseph O’Donnell.

The landfill account expenses are unpredictable, because the town of Farmington recently declined to renew its contract with Sandy River Recycling. Strong pays to use the facility’s services, but Burrill suggested townspeople might have to find other options if the recycling facility closes.

“We pay $1,900 a year for 11 tons of recycling material,” Burrill said. “Most of that tonnage can be taken to Farmington if people continue to recycle.”

Townspeople also can pay private haulers or drive to the Farmington transfer station, but the town must continue to find a way to dispose of glass, cardboard and paper waste rather than sending it to a landfill. The town adopted a recycling ordinance several years ago.

“We have an ordinance, and we have no excuse not to follow our own ordinance,” selectman Milt Baston said.

Selectman Mike Pond also asked for a more definite decision on the future of the town-maintained tennis court on the Burbank Hill Road. In past years, taxpayers have been reluctant to pay costs to repave the surface but have agreed to fund basic repairs. Now, according to Pond, the disrepair is so severe that those using the court could be injured, and making the town liable.

“We’re negligent by not addressing it,” Pond said. “We need to fix it or padlock it.”

Candidates for elected positions must return their nomination papers by Jan. 14 to get on the Feb. 28 ballot before the March 1, 2014 town meeting. Terms expiring for MSAD 58 school board representatives include Marc Edwards, Rupert Pratt and Lois Barker. Barker and Pratt were appointed by selectmen to fill short-term directors’ positions until March, because the school board expanded from seven members to 14. Strong selectman Jim Burrill’s term will expire, and he announced plans to be a candidate for another three-year term.