JAY — The Select Board voted Monday night to approve a proposed $6.1 million municipal spending plan for 2024-25 to go to voters at the polls on April 23.

It’s about $282,800 more than the current budget.

The majority of the increase is coming from wages and benefits to keep up in a competitive job economy.

After estimated revenues are factored in, taxpayers will be responsible for about $3.3 million, or $149,300 more than the current budget.

The municipal budget does not include the town’s share of Regional School Unit 73 and Franklin County budgets, which have not been set.

Selectpersons and the Budget Committee approved taking $39,330 out of the tower/recreation reserve account, instead of raising it through taxation. The recreation related items include $19,220 for the Summer Recreation Program and $13,560 for insurance for the Spruce Mountain Ski Slope. The $675 requested by the North Jay Grange will come from the regular budget because it is not recreation related.

The town is expecting to hear from the state about its proposed reduction of valuation because of the Androscoggin Mill closing. It is expected to increase state revenue-sharing, which would relieve some of the burden on local taxpayers.

Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere said previously that she was very conservative in estimating revenues and kept the number the same as last year. She expects the state revenue-sharing amount to increase because of the anticipated lower valuation of the town.

The proposed budget plan will go to a public hearing at 6 p.m. March 11 at the Spruce Mountain Elementary School gym.

Absentee ballots will be available March 22 at the Town Office. The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 23 at the Jay Community Building.