CLINTON -- A public hearing -- the only one in which residents can have any affect on the upcoming municipal budget -- is set for 7 p.m. Monday in the banquet room of the Town Office on Baker Street.

"This is it for input," Town Manager Jim Rhodes said of the hearing, the only opportunity residents will have to propose changes. "There's two public hearings, this is the first of two. There is a second public hearing required to be held, but everything is set in stone by then."

The second hearing, set for May 27, will give residents a chance to ask questions or clarify issues.

Monday's hearing deals with the Budget Committee's recommended budget. Selectmen will vote on the final draft for the town meeting articles April 22.

The annual town meeting and referendum-style voting is June 10.

The Budget Committee is recommending a total municipal spending package of just over $2 million, about $5,000 less than Town Manager Jim Rhodes' original budget.

Most of the reduction -- $3,900 of it, Rhodes said -- is what it costs to be a member of the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, based in Fairfield.

Rhodes said the Budget Committee voted 9-1 to "zero fund" KVCOG in the new budget. The feeling was that Clinton does not use the regional planning group enough to warrant the spending.

Rhodes said he supports continued membership.

KVCOG Executive Director Ken Young said he is disappointed with the move to drop membership.

"KVCOG is owned by the 53 cities and towns in the Kennebec Valley from Gardiner to Jackman and from Winthrop to Troy who understand the challenges and value the opportunity to work together," Young said in a recent e-mail.

Rhodes said the Budget Committee also recommends cutting about $1,000 for training and travel for town government.

He said the proposed budget, even with the cuts, is still about 14 percent higher than the current budget, which expires June 30. The proposed budget is up $249,000, but $190,000 of that is being proposed for road reconstruction and paving.

There also is a warrant article that included debt service for a lease-purchase agreement for two police cruisers.

Also on the public hearing agenda Monday night is a proposed change to the town's Enhanced 9-1-1 ordinance. The amendment would mandate compliance in having each residence and business properly display the street number on the outside of the building so emergency responders can find the correct location.

Doug Harlow -- 861-9244

dharlow@centralmaine.com