KINGFIELD -– The selectmen in Kingfield are ending much of their work on the budget process preparing for the new full year budget under the new fiscal year. Coming off a sixmonth budget that helped transition from a calendar fiscal year to a June 1 to July 30 fiscal year, administrative assistant Doug Marble said the process is going smoothly.

The public works budget is up from previous years due to the proposed purchase of a one-ton pickup with a plow and sander. The estimated cost for equipment is $50,000, but Marble stated that $25,000 could come from TIF expenditures. He also noted that the traditional $17,000 appropriated toward a plow truck reserve account was also cut to lower the public works budget. “The amount appears to be bigger, but the amount on the taxpayers is not,” Marble said.

Marble also said the wastewater and the town cemeteries were also up. Cemeteries were up due to proposed improvements to a stone retaining wall.

The town’s budget committee has met last Monday to review the proposed budget. The warrant is expected to be finalized on May 3.

Marble also explained some anticipated warrant articles. One might include placing some town-owned land into a conservation agricultural land use easement.

A group that has evolved to try to purchase one of the three hay fields south of the village, is getting closer to its objectives through fundraising and the help of the Maine Farmland Trust. The group has individually raised $20,000. Through a mutual agreement and purchase with MFT, the one privately-owned parcel would be put into a trust if purchased.

A local group of residents came to see the selectmen on Monday, April 12 to say they’d like the town-owned parcels to also be placed into a trust.

Marble explained that the group wanted the question asked of residents saying they’ll pursue purchasing the one parcel if the town voters put the town-owned land into a trust as well.

Another item might include allowing selectmen to enter into lease agreements for such things as pasturing horses and other annual agreements.

The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for June 5 under the new fiscal year.