Selectmen followed protocol for the first meeting after the annual election, electing a new chairman and a new clerk.

Selectman Alan Slavin, previously the clerk, was named chairman at Tuesday’s meeting, and Selectman Patrick Tropeano was made clerk.

“This is going to be a very difficult year,” said Slavin.  “Everyone has to do what they can to step it up.”

The board also thanked Selectman Peter Teitelbaum for his year of service as chairman.

“Thank you--I know it’s a difficult job and it was a job well done,” said Selectman Stephen Holmes.

Selectmen also voted favorable action on both budget proposals that will go before voters at Town Meeting April 28.

The balanced budget provides deep cuts to town services and eliminates 45 town employees.

“The balanced budget is a devastating budget--I want everyone to know that,” Tropeano said. “People need to sit down and really think if this is the way they want their town to be, because I don’t.”

“I remember when there was 54 municipal maintenance workers and we got everything done all the time,” he said.  “Now we have nine.”

Selectmen voiced their support for second budget, which includes a $4.5 million override and would still deliver significant cuts to the town, but would also invest in the longterm financial stability of the town.

“It’s important for us to invest in this town, invest in our future, and invest in today,” said Selectman Judith Whiteside.

“Even if you feel strongly that things have been run badly, I urge you to vote favorable action at the town meeting,” Whiteside said, “because then the selectmen will vote to put this on a ballot question and the residents of the town will have an opportunity to speak their mind.”