MEXICO — A special public informational session was tentatively set for May 24 to provide residents with a chance to discuss the soon-to-be installed so-called Smart Meters.

Selectmen at their regular board meeting Tuesday night learned that Central Maine Power Co. plans to begin installing the new meters that measure electricity usage at Mexico homes within the next few weeks.

Several on the board said because the matter has been controversial, they want residents to learn all that they can.

The special session will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the town hall. Following that meeting, the board will then hold a public hearing on the proposed 2011-12 municipal budget of $2.8 million, which is about 9 percent higher than the current year’s figure.

Residents will vote on the budget at referendum on June 14.

Also on Tuesday, selectmen were thinking summer.

They approved the start of the summer work schedule for Public Works employees. For the next four months, Public Works employees will work four, 10-hour days each week rather than five, eight-hour ones.

The summer schedule for selectmen’s meetings was also approved. Beginning in June, the board will meet once a month, on the fourth Tuesday, rather than twice a month. Regular board meetings were set for June 28, July 26, and Aug. 23. Two regular meetings will be held in May.

In other matters, the board:

* Approved a toll road fundraiser for Boy Scout Troop 580 from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 22, on Main Street. The money raised will be used to send Scouts to camp in July.

* Generally agreed to continue mowing the recreation park with in-house labor rather than bid out the job; however, the board wants a more detailed plan for mowing and other upkeep at the Roxbury Road park at the next meeting.

* Announced that the annual spring cleanup will begin on May 9. All Mexico residents should have items to be picked up outside that morning. The town crew will make only one pass along each street. Residents may take items to the transfer station at no cost until the end of May.

eadams@sunjournal.com