KINGFIELD — With the annual town meeting six weeks away, selectmen Monday launched a review of the coming year’s expected costs to run the town.

Administrative Assistant Leanna Targett provided a list of overall costs by department, compared to past years. Totals were less for some because of heating oil and fuel costs.

“We’re down $2,000 from last year, but $1,000 of that is from lower heating costs,”Targett said, referring administration expenses.

The cost of supplies, including postage, dropped by $500. Telecommunications costs continue to be an expensive part of departments’ costs, Targett said.

Selectmen debated a request by the Recreation Department to change its name to the Parks and Recreation Department. They wanted to be clear that the new proposed cemeteries/caretaker account would remain under the Public Works Department.

Selectmen propose to move $20,000 from the Public Works Department to a new cemeteries/caretaker account. Money in that account would specifically be designated for care of town properties, including cemeteries, the town park behind the Webster Hall, the baseball field and any others that currently are paid for out of the Public Works Department budget.

Targett said it’s important for accounting purposes to separate those costs, which could make it appear that the Public Works Department budget has decreased.

“They would like to fix the park and the ball field,” Targett said.

Selectman Wade Browne suggested that changing the name might confuse the responsibilities and costs between the Recreation Department and the new cemeteries/caretaker position.

“The Rec Department shouldn’t include maintenance and repair,” Selectman Brian Hatfield said.

Selectmen agreed they could consider the name change and related responsibilities in future discussion.

Selectmen expressed concern that unpredictable costs, such as fuel oil, sand and salt, and winter road maintenance might have decreased this year.

“What happens if gas prices go back up again?” Moody asked.

Selectmen agreed they were more comfortable with a financial cushion, considering that this winter was unusual.

“It looks like everyone who wants to see things lower will be getting their wish this year,” Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Heather Moody.