NEW GLOUCESTER — The Budget Committee voted 6-1 Tuesday night to increase stipends for firefighters attending training sessions.

The hearing drew about 20 residents, including firefighters and rescue personnel who spoke about the time and training involved in their work.

The committee added $5,060 to the stipend account for firefighters, bringing it to $25,430. Firefighters and rescue personnel, who are considered town employees, will receive $15 per training session, if the municipal budget is approved in May. Now, firefighters receive less money than rescuers for training sessions. They receive $8 for responding to a call.

“We are an all-hazards department,” Fire Department Capt. Ryan Mitchell said. “We must train for mitigation of many circumstances that require safety for firefighters.”

Basic training, which includes special hazards, requires 120 hours, he said.

“Our role,” Mitchell said, “has morphed into something different.”

He also said there is a shortage of voluntary recruits and retention is at an all-time low.

“Firefighters in surrounding towns are getting paid for their work,” Mitchell said. “And compensation needs to be addressed.”

Firefighter Roger Levasseur said voters must decide the issue of compensation at the town meeting.

New Gloucester Rescue Chief Mary Rich urged the committee to consider hourly wages for rescue and fire personnel.

“All towns around us pay hourly,” she said. “In this day and age, we have to be compensated.”

Scott Doyle said, “I’d be thrilled with a minuscule wage after 20 years at the Fire Department. Open the question to the public and find out what the citizens want. This is about being safe and being trusted.”

In other budget issues, the New Gloucester Cemetery Association is requesting $11,000, a $2,000 increase from this year. The nonprofit corporation was established in 1923 and maintains the town’s cemeteries.

Patti Mikkelsen said the town would not fund the Community Fair this year. A Facebook website hopes to raise funds to offer it, she said.

Tami Wayboer, chairwoman of the Budget Committee, urged the public to attend the March 30 selectmen meeting when the 2015-16 proposed budget of about $3.56 million will be finalized.

The first reading of the annual town meeting warrant will be Monday, April 6, and the final review on April 13.

The town meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, May 4, at Memorial School on Route 231.