LANESBOROUGH — Taking the long view, Finance Committee Chair Lyndon Moors says some years are better than others.

“It’s a bad year,” he said. “And I think it’s easy to nickel and dime town departments.”

Lanesborough is looking at a budget of $14.0 million, an increase of 10.9 percent, with increases in education spending accounting for most of that jump.

“The only place you’re going to cut significantly is people,” Moors said. “Which departments are we going to cut? Are we going to cut back our police department? Are we going to eliminate DPW employees?”

Adding a wrinkle in Lanesborough, the move to eliminate the Baker Hill Road District will have an impact on the burden to local taxpayers.

The current year’s budget planned for more than $550,000 in contracted revenue from that local taxing authority to bolster operations and to buy vehicles for the police, fire and public works departments.

At the request of the owner of the Berkshire Mall, the Select Board this year agreed to endorse disbanding the Baker Hill Road District.

In exchange, the mall owner has agreed to pay the town $1.1 million to make up for that lost revenue. But that check won’t be cut soon. The agreement requires steps by the mall owner and town meeting has to vote. Then, if the town approves the move, the Legislature has to approve a home-rule petition.

While most town departments are holding the line on spending, the ambulance department has a 67 percent increase to $475,000. This accounts for a shift in the way service is provided.

The ambulance department recently moved into new quarters with bunks allowing for 24/7 staffing at a wage of $24/hour for EMTs.

Several residents have attended budget meetings and called for level funding to all departments, including police, fire and ambulance.

“Some of the people who want budgets decreased make the argument that we are an aging population in Lanesborough,” Moors said. “It's the older population that over utilizes the ambulance service, and having a 24-hour crew available is exactly the kind of service that you would want in a community that has an elderly population.”

As to education, Lanesborough is part of the Mount Greylock Regional School District. Cutting out revenue from state aid, school choice and tuition, Lanesborough pays about 30 percent of the budget, with Williamstown shouldering 70 percent.

In the fiscal year beginning July 1, Lanesborough’s contribution to the operating budget will be be just under $7.1 million, representing an increase of 12.1 percent. Mount Greylock is also repaying borrowing on a renovation and expansion, and Lanesborough's contribution will remain about the same, at $517,532.

While the Mount Greylock budget trims two paraprofessionals and one central office staffer, Moors said Superintendent Joe Bergeron described the budget as  level services.

“Most of their increases are health care costs and contractual,” Moors said, noting the increase for health insurance is $750,000 and for raises is $840,000. In addition, out-of-district placements for students in special education settings is going up by $500,000.

Lanesborough’s portion of McCann Technical School’s operating budget will be $447,680, representing an increase of 52.4 percent. In addition, this year, with a roof and window replacement project, Lanesborough’s share is $16,299, a first-time expense.

“Last year we all enjoyed a dip in the number of students attending McCann,” Moors said. Lanesborough is sending 20 students to McCann this year and 29 next year.  “When you’re paying for 20 of something and then you have to pay 29 of the same thing, that’s a big jump.”

One Lanesborough student attends Taconic High School in Pittsfield this year and next. Tuition there remains at $22,000 per year.

On Wednesday at 6 p.m., the Finance Committee will consider a list of warrant articles, which will add to the bottom line, including a dump truck for $324,000. Moors said the Finance Committee might consider applying free cash, or surplus revenue. to the budget cushion the burden to local taxpayers.