BINGHAM -- Voters will decide Monday on a budget that would raise costs almost $71,000, due mostly to increases in the cost of the ambulance service and maintaining roads.

The town raised $569,700 in taxation last year. If all articles pass as recommended at the annual town meeting, the town would raise $640,452 this year.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Quimby School gym. Voting will take place at the same location Monday between 12:45 and 6:30 p.m.

In the only contested race, three people are vying for two open positions on the School Administrative District 13 board of directors: Louise Strickland, Bonnie Atwood and Joy McKenzie.

First Selectman Steven Steward said that, overall, the budget is tight.

"I cut places this year that haven't been cut in 20 years," said Steward.

A rise of more than $37,000 in the cost of the ambulance service is driven largely by an upgrade in services provided by the Upper Kennebec Valley Ambulance Service.

Steward said the ambulance service has hired paramedics for most shifts, which has driven up costs, but at the same time improves the service.

"They can do pain control. They can do (intravenous therapy). It is better service and if you have better service you are going to pay more," he said.

Other towns that are members of the ambulance service share the cost of the increased service, said Steward.

"We have a common goal and that is to keep the ambulance service going and available to all of our towns," he said.

The winter road budget line increased from $54,000 in 2007 to $79,600 in 2008. That increase reflects an overrun of more than $12,000 in the past year's budget due to heavier-than-average snow, as well as rising diesel, sand and salt prices.

Residents will also decide whether to accept in-kind donations to build a Veteran's Memorial Park.

Steward said the park would be located on the former Whitney Street property.

He said the park is in the "very, very early planning stages."