WARREN, Maine — Ninety-five residents turned out Tuesday night at the annual town meeting and approved, with a few changes, the $2.1 million municipal budget.
The meeting lasted about two-and-a-half hours, Town Manager Grant Watmough said.
There was debate on wage increases proposed for town employees but the article that included the 3 percent raises proposed for the workers was approved, he said.
There were reductions made on two accounts, one for custodial services for the fire department, and another concerning funding to demolish the former Warren Primary School, but otherwise, articles were approved as recommended by the selectmen and budget committee.
The overall budget is up less than 3 percent from the 2011 budget.
There also was considerable debate on whether the town should buy a 2012 loader and trade in a 1997 loader and 1998 bulldozer. The purchase was approved 46-32. The town is financing $60,000 over three years at 2.19 percent interest.