ST. ALBANS — Voters will be asked to raise about $6,700 less than they did last year for municipal spending at the annual Town Meeting on Saturday.

Town Manager Rhonda Stark said the budget for the coming year, if all articles are approved as written, will come in at $821,322. Last year is was $828,087.

Some of the money in this year’s budget will be used to cover interest on proposed borrowing, Stark said.

Residents will be asked to approve borrowing up to $60,000 for repairs or replacement of Indian Bridge on Ripley Road. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $85,000, but Stark said the town has a reserve account to cover some of the remainder of the cost. There are two proposals in articles 45 and 46 on the town meeting warrant to shift some funds to also help pay for the work.

Voters also will be asked to borrow up to $105,000 to buy a new or used truck with plow works for the Highway Department.

In other spending articles Saturday, there is a proposal to use up to $70,000 from a reserve account to buy a piece of land on Todds Corner Road as a possible future site for a fire station and possibly other town offices. No new tax dollars would be used. Money for construction has not yet been determined, Stark said, but there is another reserve account, grants and possible borrowing.

In contested races on Friday, 27-year veteran Road Commissioner Ronnie Finson is being challenged by local business owner Brady Snowman.

Also on the voting ballot is a referendum question to see if the position of road commissioner should be changed from an elected one to one appointed by the town manager and confirmed by the Board of Selectmen. If approved, the change would take place at the 2013 Town Meeting.

Stark said supporters of the question believe the town would have more control over Highway Department operations.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

dharlow@centralmaine.com

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