The big question for the Epsom Budget Committee this year was this: What figure must they hit for the town’s operating budget to guarantee voters will support the proposed budget and end a streak of four default budgets in a row?

Epsom selectmen were just as concerned with that figure, but disagreed on what that number should be. Because they decided the budget should have contained another $49,000 for raises in the Police Department and cost-of-living adjustments for town employees, they could not recommend the Budget Committee’s lower number.

The difference between the default and Budget Committee’s numbers was $118,000, aimed at making road improvements.

“The default budget is automatically a 4 percent increase over last year’s budget,” said Budget Committee Chairman Harvey Harkness. “The difference between the default and recommended budgets is essentially funds for our roads, in the amount of $118,000.”

He added that some raises were also included in that budget. “There’s a small amount for police, fire salaries,” he said. “Police have trouble keeping staff because of low salaries. We are a training ground for other communities. This would move salaries up a wee bit toward average.”

Selectman Joanne Randall took a stand for her board’s point of view.

“I believe the Budget Committee knew the gravity of this year, and the discussion was directed around how do we get a budget passed without cutting our nose off to spite our face?” she said. “I understand why Budget Committee did what they did, but I did not feel I could support the budget as it’s being presented today.”

Ultimately two different amendments were made to the operating budget number with two separate secret ballot votes, which would provide money for raises in the Police Department and cost-of-living raises for town employees.

The vote was only slightly in favor of the additions, and now it will be up to the town’s voters as a whole on election day to decide if they spend a little extra for raises and road repairs or default for a fifth year to a budget set years ago.

No other adjustments were made to the other warrant articles presented to the deliberative session attendees.

Citizens of Epsom will vote on Tuesday, March 10, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Epsom Central School.