Stonington — The Board of Finance has scheduled three hearings in which department heads will present their proposed 2016-17 budgets.

The board has instructed department heads to keep the proposed increases in their budgets to 2 percent or less, a move that has been criticized by some residents who say the board has no authority to make such a recommendation.

The board, though, has argued it does fall within its powers.

Last week, Superintendent of Schools Van Riley presented a proposed 2016-17 budget that shows a 2.88 percent increase, the smallest in recent years.

On Feb. 10, the finance board is scheduled to hear presentations from the police department, Water Pollution Control Authority and Solid Waste Department.

On Feb. 24, First Selectman Rob Simmons will present the general government budget while the board will hear requests from the Human Services Department and outside agencies such as libraries and ambulance companies.

On March 2, there will be a presentation on the proposed capital improvement budget and the Public Works Department budget.

All meetings begin at 7:15 p.m. at the police station. The board will review the proposed school budget sometime after March 15.

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas