NORWAY – Town Manager David Holt unveiled his proposed $4.4 million municipal budget to selectmen Thursday night, showing a nearly 6 percent increase over this fiscal year.

Holt said although the increase is about 6 percent, the Oxford County and SAD 17 assessments came in less than expected and some new taxable growth is expected, so the impact to taxpayers will be about a 5 percent increase.

“I wish it were less, but the town has some needs,” he said.

The 2014-15 budget includes a 2.5 percent negotiated salary increase for police and highway department union members and a 2.5 percent increase for most nonunion employees.

The budget includes $115,000 for a new dump truck and $30,000 for a sidewalk plow.

Holt is also recommending a $1.2 million, five-year bond for road repairs. If approved, the money will be received in time for jobs to go out to bid early in 2015. Payments will not start until the following year when the previous bond for road work is paid off.

The newly appointed Budget Committee and selectmen will begin meeting with department heads Monday, April 7, to review department requests. The two groups will make recommendations before the annual town meeting warrant is signed May 15.

ldixon@sunjournal.com

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