ANSON — Residents will vote Saturday on a budget that is about the same as last year despite a request for a new firetruck.

The total proposed 2012 budget of $1,580,187 is $1,117, or .07 percent, more than last year. The budget would decrease the amount raised by taxation by about $10,000, even as it would raise $20,000 for a new firetruck.

The remaining $375,000 needed to pay for the truck would come from the fire department’s reserve account.

Bob Worthley, administrative assistant to selectmen, said the budget is “a positive, in this environment.”

The new firetruck would replace an aging one from 1988. Worthley said the town is also seeking a grant to help reduce the cost.

Selectmen are recommending again that residents pay trash haulers directly, instead of having trash removal paid by the town. They are proposing that $30,000 be used to pay tipping fees until April 1. Starting then, haulers would pay the tipping fees.

The advisory board is recommending that the town keep paying for the solid waste disposal. In 2012 it says the service will cost $100,000.

Residents turned down selectmen’s proposal the last two years, but Worthley said it’s something selectmen feel should be brought up again because trash pick-up is a cost individual users ought to pay, not the town as a whole.

Selectmen and the advisory board are also split on an amount for the Christmas decorating budget. Selectmen are proposing to not provide $2,500 for Madison-Anson Days and instead place the amount in the Christmas account for a total of $4,500.

The advisory board is recommending $2,000 for the holiday decorations.

Elections are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Garret Schenck Elementary School. The Town Meeting will start at 2:30 p.m. at the school.

Erin Rhoda — 612-2368

erhoda@centralmaine.com