At their annual town meeting Tuesday, Hanover residents will consider a proposed FY’13 budget that would nearly hold the line on municipal appropriations but see an increase in school spending.

If all town-spending money articles are approved, the municipal appropriation would total $206,582, according to Town Clerk Clem Worcester. That compares to $204,741 last year.

Hanover’s school budget would be $220,896, compared to last year’s $194,748. The town is a member of RSU 10.

Worcester estimated the current mil rate of 7.32 could rise by about a half a mil, if money articles are approved.

Among the largest money items are $30,000 for Capital Improvements for roads, $30,000 for Town Roads and Bridges (maintenance), and $20,000 for Solid Waste. All are in line with amounts raised in recent years, Worcester said.

The county tax of $31,545 is up from last year, he said.

In election of officials, Selectman Brenda Gross’ seat is up for a vote for a three-year term, he said, and she is expected to run. He knew of no one else interested in the position.

Worcester’s own positions of clerk, treasurer and tax collector are also up for an annual vote, and he knew of no one else interested.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Town House.

Winter road maintenance

Worcester was asked about an issue discussed by selectmen this year regarding winter road maintenance for the South Shore Road, a dirt road near Howard Pond.

The road has traditionally been closed to winter maintenance, and about a year ago the board voted to extend that status for another 10 years, despite requests from road residents that the town take on plowing.

Hanover contracts with D.A. Wilson of Greenwood for winter maintenance of its other roads, Worcester said.

Residents have been paying privately for the South Shore Road to be plowed.

Worcester said selectmen had done some research on contractors who have road-plowing equipment that could negotiate the narrow road.

He said a public hearing on the issue took place a few months ago, but selectmen decided they wanted more time to study options before considering at some point in the future whether to open the road to winter maintenance by a town contractor.