By Kelly Morgan,Staff Writer

WATERFORD – Voters this Saturday will be faced with a proposed municipal budget totaling $898,591, according to town officials.

Deputy Town Clerk Jennifer Morin said Monday that the figure is $17,200 less than last year’s approved municipal budget of $915,791. That’s a 1.9 percent decrease.

But budget items may not be the most contentious issues to face voters this year. On Saturday, residents will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed Land Management Standards Ordinance, which would break the town into districts with different permitted uses and development standards. The ordinance was developed by the Waterford Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2006.

Voters will also consider forming a committee to investigate hiring a town manager. Members of the Waterford Board of Selectmen have had mixed views on this topic, said Selectman Whizzer Wheeler before a Feb. 16 meeting. He once believed the town should have a town manager, but has changed his mind since being elected, he said.

Either way, Wheeler said, “We agree it should be investigated and reviewed and either put to bed or approved.”

Also on Saturday, voters will be asked to authorize forming a finance committee to assist with the annual budget process, and to consider a recall ordinance. If approved, the recall ordinance would allow voters to petition for a vote to recall any elected official.

As for the budget, one of the bigger items facing voters will be a $180,000 request for the Waterford Transfer Station. Wheeler has said the request is $30,000 higher than last year’s request of $150,000, largely due to state requirements for running the facility.

Voters also will be asked to approve a $30,000 request that would cover costs associated with the disposal of an ash pile at the station.

In order to keep the budget down, voters also will be asked to consider reducing some requests, including those for the Cross Street Bridge, the Waterford Library and the Waterford Historical Society.

Morin said the town will hold elections from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the town office, and the town meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the same location.