NEW GLOUCESTER — A public hearing on the proposed 2013-14 municipal budget drew a standing-room-only crowd opposed to selectmen’s proposal to reduce library staff and hours.

The budget supported by the Budget Advisory Committee totals $2,699,031 and is nearly $27,000 more than selectmen’s proposal of $2,672,163.

These figures do not include funding for capital improvements, SAD 15, Cumberland County and the town’s overlay funds.

Budget Advisory Committee Chairman Amy Arata said the committee restored the library’s operational hours and staffing. But selectmen remain firm on making the reductions.

Selectmen will continue deliberations before signing the warrant for the June 6 annual town meeting.

Selectmen recommend $81,167 for the library; the committee recommends $87,982.

The committee is an advisory body to selectmen.

Tim Terranova, chairman of the library trustees, said, “Cutting the library is like cutting the community. Forty to 50 people came here tonight to support the library and care deeply.”

Several students spoke about how the library provides opportunities to get schoolwork completed.

Another woman said she is homeless and relies on the library at night to read the paper and use the computer.

The library runs two book clubs, participates with the New Gloucester Historical Society program for second-grade students learning about the community. Volunteers help the library. Fundraising activities and special programs are offered to the public.

The library is the center of the community, others said.

Keith Larsen said he bought his house so he could walk to the library. He supports increasing funding so the town can put its books online for the public.

Others talked about the dedication of library staff to the community. One woman said of full-time librarian, Suzan Hawkins, “She is dedicated more than any librarian you can ask for. It would be very disrespectful to take her hours away and cutting her so she loses her insurance. Maybe there are other things that can be cut.”

Part-time assistant librarian Carla McAllister said she’s been working at the library for four years.

“I do this because I love it. I don’t want to be forced to take a job for benefits,” she said.

Resident Anita Campbell said the library is an investment.

The budget proposal also calls for a reduction in Community Fair support.

It includes funding emergency medical service transport at $111,298. New Gloucester does not provide rescue transport and relies on United Ambulance and nearby towns for ambulance service.

Town Manager Sumner Field III said the budget includes a 7.5 percent increase in health insurance, a $12,000 increase in unemployment insurance, and increases in contracted service, dispatch (11 percent) and county assessment, all of which total more than $300,000.

The budget also includes projected increases in heating oil, propane, gas and diesel of more than $100,000.

Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed budget would have a negative impact on the town of $462,000 and $479,000 in 2014 and 2015, respectively, Field said. Those amounts include elimination of the Homestead Exemption for those under age 65, elimination of $265,000 in revenue sharing, reduction of the Urban-Rural Initiative Program funds totaling $82,356, reduction of General Assistance by $16,400 and an as yet undetermined reduction in personal property tax reimbursement and commercial excise tax.