GREENE — Voters adopted a $2.36 million budget for 2011 in a short, congenial town meeting Saturday morning.

It took less than two hours for 77 residents to approve the 58 articles proposed by the Board of Selectmen.

Town Manager Charles Noonan said the proposed increase for the town budget would be $83,000, which will mean a mill rate increase of 25 cents per $1,000 of property valuation for municipal services. He said the school anticipates increases, which will add another 25-cent increase to the mill rate. The $83,000 includes $9,500 for fuel-price increases.

The first article to generate significant discussion was for funds to purchase a new firetruck. Fire Chief Phil Lavoie said that two years ago Greene had four serviceable pumpers. Two are permanently out of service with parts unavailable, and one of the others is laid up for repairs. The new truck approved by voters will cost about $342,000.

As for the Parks and Recreation budget, Noonan said there is a need for additional ball fields, but the vacant land at the recreation park cannot be developed due to wetland issues.

The VFW is interested in selling its land and building, which adjoin the park, for $30,000 to be paid over a number of years. Funds are included in the budget for surveys and legal costs to work out details. When those are completed, Noonan said there will be a special town meeting to consider the purchase.

Three ordinances were considered and passed. The first revised the land-use ordinance to require a cul-de-sac on dead-end streets and increased road construction standards for streets in subdivisions that wish to be accepted by the town.

The second was a flea market ordinance intended to require licenses from those operating long-lasting flea markets but not restricting those that run less than four days per year.

The third, a mass-gathering ordinance, generated the most comments. Resident Bill Clarke objected to the provision that let the selectmen delay their decision on a permit until 30 days before the scheduled event. Selectmen agreed that they will offer an amendment to the ordinance at the next special town meeting. The amendment will require that a decision be made within 30 days of receiving a completed application.

The meeting was opened by local Boy Scouts presenting the American flag and Inge Fullerton singing the national anthem. Selectman Kevin Mower presented a plaque dedicating the town report to longtime resident Barbara Bubier in recognition of her contributions to the town.