East Lyme - First Selectman Mark Nickerson on Wednesday presented a preliminary budget of $68.333 million for 2015-16, a 4.95 percent increase over this year.

The budget breaks down to $16.88 million for general government, 4.67 percent more than this year; $1.332 million for capital, a 22.39 percent increase; and $5.317 million for debt service, 4.16 percent more than this year.

The proposed superintendent's budget, not yet voted on by the school board, stands at $44.803 million, or a 4.7 percent increase.

Nickerson told the Board of Selectmen that each department's budget was studied "line by line" and that wages and benefits were the driving force behind most department increases, while spending for equipment and enhancements is mostly flat. He said the town needs to "strike a balance" between making improvements and keeping taxes low.

"Emphasis was placed on maintaining existing public services, improving and upgrading our town infrastructure and the prevailing quality-of-life within the town," said Nickerson. He added that recreational activities also are important, especially as more people use them during the economic recovery.

Nickerson denied requests from several departments - including building, planning, and emergency management - for additional positions. He said the selectmen may want to discuss the proposals.

For example, due to an uptick in permit activity, the town's chief building official asked for an additional building official position and a full-time administrative secretary, rather than a part-time administrative assistant. Nickerson said he supports an additional five hours for the administrative position.

The budget also does not include a fifth full-time dispatcher, requested by emergency management, because of possible future changes for dispatch and potential regionalization.

While Nickerson said operating costs for town departments largely maintain or decrease current spending, increases, when they occur, are "primarily due to contract obligations, health insurance and pension benefits, state mandates, new debt and the Capital Improvement Program."

Capital expenditures include funding for the town's sixth year of its vehicle acquisition program, its next re-evaluation in 2016 and various town projects.

Overall, wage increases account for $367,573. For example, the Parks and Recreation Department is up $33,371, primarily due to minimum wage hikes for part-time seasonal employees, according to the budget summary.

Nickerson said he encourages debate and discussion on the budget. The selectmen will deliberate on departments, including emergency operations, fire and police, starting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 18 at Town Hall.

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich