NEWPORT – Newport selectmen have completed the proposed 2008 budget, one that includes extra money for road improvements, and – for the first time – an operating budget for the town’s cultural center.

Town Manager James Ricker said Tuesday that the budget was approved by the selectmen and the town’s budget committee at $2,304,005, which is a $140,619 increase over last year.

On the surface it appears to be a six percent increase, Ricker said, and the state’s LD 1 cap for Newport is 7.41 percent. But Ricker explained that the formula that the state uses requires two years of data and Newport will actually exceed the cap.

He said an article at the start of the annual town meeting will allow the town to exceed the cap.

As far as the increase goes, Ricker said, “it would be easy to blame fuel prices,” which of course impact the police, fire, public works, general assistance and town building accounts.

But he said the committee and the board agreed to put an additional $15,000 into road improvement.

They also agreed to go forward with the construction of a salt-sand shed. Ricker said $100,000 will be taken from surplus, $50,000 was appropriated last year, and another $175,000 will be bonded.

The manager said that several locations around town are being scouted as possible sites.

Also, for the first time, an operating budget for the Newport Cultural Center is included in the municipal budget. Currently under construction, the center could open as early as June or July, Ricker said. Last year, $17,000 was appropriated for fundraising costs and other expenses. This year, $69,000 is proposed. Ricker said the center, which will house the Newport Public Library and the Newport Historical Society as well as provide community meeting spaces, is on track and within budget. Much of the work is being done by inmate workers from the Charleston Correctional Center.

Ricker said the town chose to continue supporting a school resource officer.

The town meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 8, with voting on Friday, March 7. Both will take place at the Sebasticook Valley Community Center on North Street.

Positions on the ballot include:

. One selectman’s seat for a three-year term, currently filled by John Buckland.

. Two SAD 48 directors’ seats for three-year terms.

. Three three-year terms on the Newport Sanitary District Board of Trustees.

. One five-year term on the Newport Water District board of trustees.

bdnpittsfield@verizon.net

487-3187