NORWAY — Voters will be asked to approve a $4.7 million budget at the annual town meeting Monday, June 20.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Forum in Paris.
The budget is a $157,124 increase from this fiscal year, which ends June 30.
Most town departments would see an increase in funding if approved, including $983,444 for highways and Public Works; $724,905 for the Police Department; $471,065 for administration; $282,000 for Norway/Paris Solid Waste Inc.; $277,460 for Norway Memorial Library; $274,553 for the Fire Department; and $137,782 for Parks and Recreation.
Police Department increases cover officer training, while increases for the Fire Department will cover replacing outdated equipment and rising health insurance and salaries. A new half-time position between the Parks and Recreation and Highway departments to mow lawns and plow is also being added.
The budget includes $325,000 in road improvements, $5,000 in sidewalk repairs and $15,000 for in-town street repairs. While $40,000 would be set aside from the town garage, there is no money due to be set aside for the construction of a fire substation.
A total of $35,000 is being requested for the reserve fund for eventual purchase of firetrucks and equipment. The amount will be added to the $40,000 appropriated at last year’s annual town meeting.
The spending is endorsed by the Budget Committee and selectmen. If approved, residents can expect a 3 to 4 percent increase in property taxes, according to Town Manager David Holt.
Voters will also be asked to authorize the selectmen to appoint a Budget Committee to serve one year without pay, which members requested to start financial planning early.
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