WILTON -- Town officials in Wilton say they want to hold the line on spending but are facing higher costs for fuel, asphalt and road sand and a backlog of need for road improvements.

Selectmen took their first look at the $3 million proposed 2008 budget this week that is about $216,450 over what was raised last year.

Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Paul Gooch said Wednesday that in spite of the town's increased costs, the budget assembled by Town Manager Peter Nielsen and department heads was not as bad as he feared.

"There could be a slight increase in the tax rate but I am optimistic we can hold the line," said Gooch.

"Townspeople have been amazingly willing to support the budgets we have brought forward in the past that have been very reasonable and responsible, and I think we have done that again this time," he said.

The budget committee will review the requests later this spring and voters will decide on the final figures at the annual town meeting June 16.

Included in the draft is a $35,000 used sidewalk tractor for the highway department to use to plow sidewalks. Currently, the job has been done by a plow truck using a wing and a front loader.

"It causes wear and tear on the sidewalk. A designated sidewalk plow would pay for itself by saving on manpower and equipment," said Gooch.

There is also a request for $200,000 a year for three years to seriously tackle the worst road problems.

Gooch said that could be funded with a municipal bond but selectmen hope to have a discussion on the idea at the town meeting.

Other budget highlights:

n The highway department budget has a $21,000 increase in salt and sand over last year and a $10,000 increase in the cost of gasoline and diesel. Also, there is a request for two plow trucks for $290,000.

n An increase from $21,000 to $36,000 in the assessing department would allow the part-time assessor to work 90 days a year, up from the current 46, to address the increased demand for service.

n A new $16,850 furnace is needed for the public safety Building.

n The police department of $394,900 is about $1,300 less than last year with a savings in leasing a sports utility vehicle rather than buying a new cruiser.

Betty Jespersen -- 778-6991

bjespersen@centralmaine.com