WATERFORD — Town meeting voters will face a 72-article warrant and a proposed municipal budget of $2.32 million at Saturday’s annual town meeting. It will begin at 9 a.m. at the Fire Station at 366 Valley Road.

The budget for 2022-23 is almost a half-million dollars more than the previous year’s $1.9 million. It includes a recommended $400,900 to reduce the tax commitment. The tax rate will be determined by selectmen once the budget is finalized.

Among the items on the warrant is raising and appropriating $11,695 for employee retirement and $95,837 for health insurance for full-time employees. The recommended amount for charitable donations is $8,550. 

The budget also includes $12,575 for general maintenance, repair and upkeep of veteran and nonveteran gravestones in four cemeteries and $16,000 for salaries for the fire chief and assistant chiefs. 

Also on the warrant is whether to accept $259,607 in reimbursements and grants.

“Waterford has been able to consistently evaluate and control costs to maintain slight year-over-year (tax) rate increases, while delivering the services needed to its taxpayers,” according to a statement in the town warrant. “Finding a balance of services, timeliness, and costs is always at the forefront of decision-making to ensure taxpayer monies are being spent with the utmost caution and fiduciary responsibility.”

Election of officers will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday at the town office/fire station complex. Selectman Todd Sawyer is seeking another three-year term. For the School Administrative District 17 board, Judith Green is seeking another three-year term and Catherine Winship is seeking a one-year term left after Barry Patrie retired.