CLINTON -- The Board of Selectmen on Oct. 14 plan to conduct a public hearing on the seven special town meeting warrant articles to be voted on during the Nov. 4 presidential elections.

The public hearing will occur as part of the board's meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the selectmen's room of the Town Office at 27 Baker Street.

The Police Department's future is at stake on the Nov. 4 special town meeting warrant, which features seven articles. Twice residents have rejected budget increases for the department. This time, they will vote on a $175,206 budget that would keep the department afloat.

The department's proposed budget is the same amount that it received last year.

Earlier, the Budget Committee had recommended a $199,256 Police Department budget.

Voters also have defeated increased spending for inspectors, the health officer and a code-enforcement account. Article 3 asks for $17,190 -- the same appropriation as last year.

Article 4 asks a $35,000 transfer from savings to a capital-improvement account that would repair a failing 42-inch culvert on Hill Road.

The town would transfer $15,000 from savings to the general assistance account for fuel assistance if voters pass article 5.

Article 6 would allow town officials to correct typographical errors in ordinances that do not affect the meaning of the ordinances.

In Article 7, voters will consider wording that would affect riverbank stabilization. The article would allow the town to use an approved $5,000 for riprap and/or fencing along the riverbank at Riverside Park.