KINGFIELD — Voters quickly dispatched 41 warrant articles and the election of four officials at the annual town meeting Saturday.

The handful of townspeople reviewed a proposed allocation of $971,152, and a $147,000 offset of tax-increment financing funds from Poland Spring. Within two hours, 41 voters approved the majority of warrant articles as written, authorizing a total of $823,352 for the year’s expenditures. That represents a 2.3 percent increase, according to Administrative Assistant Leanna Targett.

Incumbent selectmen John Dill and Wade Browne and school directors Sarah Byrne and Julie Talmage were elected without opposition.

During the discussion of the proposed 2014-15 budget, several townspeople expressed frustration with nonprofit groups that ask for money but don’t send a representative to explain the request at either budget or town meetings. Since voters did not know how the organizations had spent or would spend their money, they were reluctant to appropriate taxpayer dollars.

The Flagstaff Area Business Alliance asked for $6,000, but their director recently departed from the group, Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Heather Moody said. The town Budget Committee decided to recommended $1,000 for the organization, but residents voted not to fund any appropriation until they learned more about the group’s plans to include the town.

Voters reduced the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s request for $1,000, instead deciding to continue at the $300 membership level.

“We thought $1,000 was excessive,” Selectman John Dill told the audience.

Resident Linda Manning suggested that the town take advantage of the chamber relationship, including meeting with Executive Director Erin Arthers to promote the town’s interests.

“If you haven’t seen this year’s (chamber) guide, I suggest you do,” said Vici Robinson, a member of the Kingfield POPS Committee. “Kingfield is well-represented.”

Voters approved entering an agreement with the Maine Department of Transportation for rebuilding Route 27 through Kingfield. The town has set aside $147,000 for its share of the $5 million project. Work includes improving sidewalks, lighting and pedestrian and intersection safety.

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