WATERFORD — Voters will go to the polls Friday to elect a selectman and a SAD 17 director.

Selectman Randy Lessard and SAD 17 Director Barry Patrie are running unopposed.

Polls will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the Municipal Building on Valley Road. Town Clerk Brenda Bigonski said the polls are open only for five hours this election because of the limited ballot.

Bigonski said the state allows her to have the polls open for a minimum of four hours because it is only a municipal ballot with limited questions. She said she chose to open the polls for five hours for the convenience of voters.

On Saturday, March 1, annual town meeting voters will assemble at the Municipal Building beginning at 9 a.m. to act on a 67-article warrant.

Voters will be asked to support the proposed $1.3 million municipal budget for 2014, which is a $103,700 increase from last year.

The increase is due to spending initiatives aimed at improving roads and the accuracy of tax assessments, Selectmen Lessard, Richard Hunt and Wyatt Andrews in their annual report to voters.

Selectmen said the escalating cost of hot top has required an increase in the paving budget from $150,000 to $200,000. Selectmen said $175,000 will come from taxes and the remaining $25,000 will be rolled over from 2013 surplus.

Additionally, selectmen are requesting $21,600 more than last year for a revaluation of property. The state requires a revaluation every 10 years and the last one was in 2003, selectmen said. Of that request, $12,200 will come from savings with the remainder from taxes.

The municipal budget does not include the Oxford Hills School District assessment, which makes up more than half of the budget. And it does not include the Oxford County assessment.

The tax rate is expected to increase 50 cents, to $14.80.

ldixon@sunjournal.com