MINOT — Local officials unanimously recommended approval Monday of next year’s municipal budget that would reduce spending from the current fiscal year.

Selectmen voted on a $1.95 million budget that, if passed by the town, would reduce spending by roughly $50,000 or 2.5%, according to Town Administrator Danielle Loring.

The budget goes next to the Budget Committee for its recommendation.

Town Clerk Sara Farris reported that 67% of registered voters turned out at the Nov. 8 election, who cast 1,488 votes, including 60 new registrants, Loring said.

Candidates seeking election to local office must file papers with the town from Nov. 23 until Jan. 3. Elections will be held at the annual Town Meeting the first Friday in March.

Seats up for election include one on the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term and two on the School Board, one for a one-year term and one for a three-year term.

Fire officials reported that the all-volunteer department received so-called self-contained breathing apparatus used for interior firefighting scenarios. The local department teamed up with Auburn Fire Department to make the purchase, Loring said, in an effort to receive a discounted price.

In order to meet National Fire Protection Association standards for the minimum number of SCBA needed, the town will also purchase some of Auburn Fire Department’s used SCBA that have an additional 10 to 15-year lifespan, after the city has taken ownership of its new equipment, Loring said.

“That will help to get Minot into compliance as well as save costs to taxpayers,” Loring said.

She told local officials Monday that FirstLight fiber had completed its broadband installation in the northwest quadrant of town, she said.

The town is accepting nominations and donations for its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for local families in need.

Residents can call or go to the Town Office to nominate someone to receive a basket or offer a donation.

The Thanksgiving baskets traditionally include food; Christmas baskets include food and presents for any children in the household.

Cub Scout Pack 139 attended the board’s meeting Monday to learn about town leadership and to better understand the town’s needs in an effort to fulfill their Arrow of Light Badge requirement for “Building a Better World,” Loring said.

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