KINGFIELD -– Members of the budget committee, selectmen and administrators continue to work on this year’s budget. Last Monday, Jan. 4, the budget committee worked two-plus hours and adjourned before completing its scope of work. On Monday, Jan. 11, that work continued with hopes of finalizing the town’s budget.

Adding to the complexities is the fact that Kingfield is transitioning into a new fiscal year. The town is going from a calendar fiscal year to one that starts on June 30 and ends on July 1. This means that some of the line-items that the members are recommending are for six months. Others are for an entire year.

For example, Administration which was approximately $13,000 over the budget amount of $200,800 in 2009, is set for voters to consider for six months at $99,500. Likewise members are considering half requests for the fire department.

The public works budget, which came in under budget last year by $30,203.17, is set for six months at $94,000.

The selectmen removed a budget titled Parks and Recreation due to past confusion and are recommending a six-month budget for animal control proposed to be set at $2,500.

The cemeteries budget is also set for a half year, but with the need to purchase a $5,000 lawn mower, the $9,500 half-year budget is similar to last year’s full annual budget.

Program requests remain for the calendar year. Representatives said on Jan. 4 that if any program is in need of funding from Jan. 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011, that request should be made before this summer’s town meeting and respective budget meetings and procedures.

New program requests are a $3,000 request for the Stanley Museum, $300 for Christmas lights and $400 for the American Red Cross, as examples. Work First (Tri- Valley United Way) is also a new request, as is a $1,100 request for Tri-County Mental Health and $100 for KV Cap Child & Family Services.

The town’s wastewater budget is up in terms of expenses, but for the most part proposed to be set for six months.

Kingfield Administrative Assistant Doug Marble said he’s pleased with how the budget process has progressed, and feels that most of his hard work is now behind him.