SMITHFIELD — Residents driving over frost heaves and around potholes to get to Saturday night’s annual Town Meeting will have plenty of opportunities to address road concerns when they arrive at the municipal building.

Because road work costs have risen, the Board of Selectmen said in a letter to residents that the annual $50,000 request for the road reconstruction and paving account isn’t enough.

Voters will be asked to raise $70,000 for the work as well as appropriate $26,424 from a grant.

Citizens will also vote on two road bond options.

The board is recommending approval to borrow up to $700,000 to pave and reconstruct East Pond, Quaker Lane and Warren Hill Road.

The other bond-related article asks for $600,000 for the same project, but the board is opposing it, saying it is not enough to complete the projects.

Another road-related article asks residents to raise $100,000 to repair East Pond Road, in the event that the $700,000 is defeated.

If the $700,000 bond is approved, the $100,000 could be used on the bond’s first payment in 2013.

“The roads are the big issue,” said Nichole Clark, Smithfield’s administrative assistant. “I hope people do come. The roads are deteriorating.”

Citizens will also be asked to raise $2,500 for the town’s 175th anniversary celebration, slated for August 2015. Smithfield, incorporated Feb. 29, 1840, is billed as “Maine’s only leap year incorporated town.”

Clark did not know the total proposed budget request for 2012; last year citizens approved spending $740,781, which included grant spending and money from surplus.

Townspeople on Saturday will also vote on whether to approve two proposed ordinances — a floodplain management ordinance and cell tower ordinance.

In order to get flood insurance authorized by a national flood insurance act, Clark said Smithfield has opted to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Clark said the proposed cell tower ordinance would establish regulations for new cell towers and additions to the current one.

Elections are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the municipal building. There are no contested races.

Town Clerk Linda French said there are no official candidates for the School Administrative District 54 board seat that John Pat Elwell is leaving.

Fire chief Mike Moore will retire after more than 30 years of service. Bruce Winegardner is expected to be appointed the new chief at the Board of Selectmen’s next meeting.

Beth Staples — 861-9252

bstaples@centralmaine.com