NEW VINEYARD — Three town officers are seeking re-election at the annual town meeting Saturday, March 12, when nominations will be taken from the floor.

Action of the 44-article warrant begins at 9:30 a.m. at Smith Memorial Hall.

Selectman Frank Forster II, Road Commissioner Robert Sillanpaa and Planning Board member Lindsay Jackson are seeking another term. Planners Patti Knapp and Matt Pierce are not seeking re-election, so there are three openings this year.

Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Fay Adams said the proposed budget is slightly higher than last year. One request is for $6,200 to buy TRIO software and licensing for vehicle registrations. The software is more accurate and efficient. If the town continues to use its noncomputerized system, it will require more paperwork.

Selectmen recommend taking $25,000 from surplus to reduce the tax commitment.

“Usually, we ask for $50,000,” Adams said.

Voters will be asked to authorize a temporary loan, if needed, in anticipation of tax payments. When many residents don’t pay their taxes, the town must dip into surplus funds. That’s why this year’s surplus request is reduced by half, Adams said.

“Our accountant says we’re cutting things pretty close,” Adams said.

Voters are also asked to approve $15,000 to clean up the former Ross property, acquired through nonpayment of taxes. The plan is to tear down the badly dilapidated structures, landscape the lot and use the property for much-needed parking space for the Fire Department, municipal personnel and library patrons.

Last year, selectmen tried unsuccessfully to find someone to complete the job for $10,000 or less.

“We will resubmit and make a good effort to get the job done,” Adams said.

Other budget requests recommended by selectmen include:

* $9,000 for transfer station costs;

* $10,000 for the firetruck replacement reserve account; and

* $54,750 for summer road repair and maintenance;

* $31,284 from the Maine Department of Transportation toward payment of the 2014 reconstruction loan;

* $188,000 for snowplowing, sanding and salting roads;

* $10,000 for insurance; and

* $14,725 for NorthStar emergency medical services.