Maintenance will be the underlying theme for Warner residents at Town Meeting in March.

In addition to a proposed operating budget of almost $4.4 million, which is an increase 18.8 %, voters will consider warrant articles that will expend funds for police and fire and rescue vehicles, highway equipment, as well as improvements to town hall and preserving town records.

While the operating budget increase is steep from last year’s budget of $3.6 million, overall spending will be softened by a decrease in the capital budget. The overall will result in a proposed tax increase of $1.39 per $1,000 of property value, which is about $417 more a year for a house worth $300,000.

Funding for highway repairs will continue the efforts of road agent Tim Allen, who hopes to complete work reclaiming and paving Schoodac Road, which was a project that was not finished this year. The proposed highway paving allocation is $200,000.

A warrant article also proposes adding $50,000 to the highway equipment capital fund, which would be used in the future to replace a six-wheeled vehicle.

Budget Committee member Richard Bixby suggested that one way to cut the operating budget would be to remove $50,000 from highway paving funds. Of the $200,000 allocated to paving last year, only $92,500 was spent.

The ramifications of the proposed cut, however, did not seem financially sensible to Allen.

“What we’re talking about is false economy,” he said. “That’s a minimal part of the budget.” Putting off maintenance now will wind up costing the town more in the long run, he said.

Other warrant articles include $20,000 to be added to the Preservation of Records fund. This article has passed previous years, but this will be the last year it is proposed as the project is wrapping up.

Bridge repair and replacement funds are also up for a vote. Three bridge projects are in need of $125,000, according to Allen.

Another article proposed roof repairs on Town Hall, which will cost $30,000. The fire department is also asking for $130,000 for vehicle replacements.

Voters will also see a request to dissolve the Old Fire Station Capital Reserve Fund, and return these funds, which total $7,173, to general spending.

Town Meeting is on March 15.

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