CHESTERVILLE — Board of Selectmen Chairman Guy Iverson shared two preliminary budget proposals for the Budget Committee to work from Thursday evening.

Iverson said he looked at spending as of Dec. 28, 2016, moved some things around and took into account growth, revenue sharing and the Local Roads Assistance Program. One budget would be a decrease of $5,468, the other a $34,532 increase over the 2016 budget.

The only difference in the two is the amount designated for paving. One budget asks that $100,000 be raised or appropriated to pave Zions Hill Road, Egypt Pond Road, Borough Road, Cross Street and Cooper Road. The other one asks for $140,000 for paving.

The paving projects would also use $42,300 of state funds, which must be for infrastructure rebuilding, Iverson said.

Chesterville spent $128,000 to pave about 1.5 miles of roads last year. The goal is to complete 2 miles of paving in 2017.

Iverson also suggested giving bonuses rather than raises this year.

He suggested a $500 bonus for full-time employees and $250 for part-timers.

Selectman Tiffany Estabrook said some businesses cap bonuses at 2 percent. 

Iverson’s proposed 2017 budget includes a $10,500 reduction in administration, a $1,260 decrease in the Fire Department, $500 less for streetlights, and a $75 decrease for code enforcement.

It would see either a $9,539 or $49,539 addition to public works, depending on which option is selected, and a $2,278 increase for the transfer station.

All other departments are unchanged.

Resident Rachel Heseltine said she would like to serve on the Budget Committee.

There are still vacancies on the committee to fill. Selectmen will also check with current members who were not able to attend meetings last year to determine their availability. Budget Committee appointments are for five years.

Anyone interested in serving on the committee should contact a selectman.

Due to the town clerk’s resignation, new members can not be sworn in. Selectmen moved the first budget committee meeting to Thursday, Feb. 2.

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