INDUSTRY — Residents will elect municipal officers and debate a proposed budget of $411,699 at the annual town meeting Saturday.

Elections are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the town meeting begins at 2 p.m.

Town Clerk Angel Davis said the proposed budget is down 2.33 percent from last year. Most of the savings come from winter roads, which is down $30,000.

Davis said two articles that might draw debate are related to building a sand shed and replacing a plow truck. 

Selectwoman Dovey Balsam said voters will be asked to take $50,000 from the undesignated fund account for the sand shed and an additional $50,000 from that account to replace the town’s 2001 plow/utility truck. The town has a plan to replace one truck every seven to 10 years. “It needs to be replaced,” she said.

Residents will also vote to fill a three-year selectman position and elect a representative to the Regional School Unit 9 board of directors.

Balsam is seeking a three-year term on the Board of Selectmen. She was elected last year to fill the seat vacated by Michael Senecal. She said she’s learned it’s not an easy job. “I knew it was a lot of responsibility taking care of the needs of the town. I’ve enjoyed it,” she said.

Balsam was put in charge of the town’s General Assistance program, which she said has been eye opening. She said it can be challenging to balance what is right with state rules.

“It’s not a position to take lightly,” she said. It can be time-consuming but rewarding. Sometimes she’s the face of the town now that she and her husband, Philip, own Dovey’s Kitchen, formerly Happy Valley Farm Market & Bakery. People come there looking for answers. 

Selectman Robert Geisser said there is no one running for the school board seat. Veterinarian Dr. Robert Patterson has said he will accept the position if he receives write-in votes.

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