Dresden voters opted to follow the lead of selectmen and put more money into the highway account and sign a new three-year snowplow and ice control contract with Goodall Landscaping Inc. of Topsham.

All the items on the warrant were approved at Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting, including plans to pursue two boat landings in the town, one on the Kennebec River and one on the Eastern River. About 50 people attended the meeting.

Selectmen recommended spending $355,354 for the highway account, while the Budget Review Committee preferred to hold the line at the current year’s amount of $310,900.

Allan Moeller, third selectman, explained to attendees that it would have less impact on the property tax rate if people set aside money each year rather raise a larger amount in a single year.

The increase also reflects more money for paving since about a mile of the outer end of Calls Hill Road is due for complete reconstruction.

Selectmen had recommended $187,354 for the first year of a new snowplow and ice control contract. Moeller said Goodall had been doing it most recently when that firm took over from another contractor. Last season’s cost was $181,900.

Moeller said voters approved spending up to $22,000 from surplus for permits if they are needed for a proposed boat ramp at the base of the new bridge across the Kennebec River. The majority of the cost is expected to be paid by the state.

However, that boat ramp is still in process. The town Planning Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on it at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Pownalborough Hall, according to Town Clerk Pat Theriault.

Voters also gave permission to use money from the estate of Inge Foster, who died May 21, 2011, to be used to restore land near the original Middle Bridge over the Eastern River and create a carry-in, carry-out boat launch.

The intent of the project, to be known as Patterson Landing, would be to “provide a pleasant and peaceful place to observe the river and to create safe access to the river for canoeists, kayakers and fishermen,” according to the warrant.

Moeller said there were some voters who requested more frequent police patrols of those boat ramp areas.

The total of the municipal appropriation was $733,479, an increase of $28,754 over the current year’s, which is a 4 percent increase. Moeller said that while the municipal budget increased little, he anticipated an increase in the property tax rate because of the increased cost of the schools.

The property tax rate stands at $17 per $1,000 of valuation.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @betadams