SEEKONK — The Board of Selectmen is recommending a $39.6-million budget for the next fiscal year, a spending plan that represents a 3.30-percent or $1.3-million increase over current year financing.

The selectmen last night met jointly with the Finance Committee, School Committee and Capital Improvement Committee to review the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, which will be held May 19 at 7 p.m. at Seekonk High School. Voters that night will, among other things, consider the budget for the 2009 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

On the municipal side, the budget boost is driven mostly by increases in fuel and utility costs, as well as a roughly 12-percent increase in health insurance payments, Town Administrator Michael J. Carroll said. The proposal also calls for hiring a new recreation director for three months and two new firefighters for half of the next year.

The budget recommended by the selectmen and the Finance Committee cuts the School Department’s proposed budget increase by more than $794,000, officials said.

“We have to present a balanced budget,” Selectmen Chairman Robert L. Richardson said, noting that the budget as it stands is at the mandated 2.5-percent limit on levy increases.

The School Department had requested a $19.6-million operating budget, a $1.3-million, or 7-percent increase, over its current-year budget. The budget called for adding 16 new positions, including 6 teachers and aides for a new full-day kindergarten program. School officials have said that parents of the school system’s youngest students support extending the kindergarten school day from half- to full-day.

The schools’ proposal also included hiring 8 special-education teachers, nurses and aides to serve 16 students with learning, physical and behavioral problems who now must be bused outside the Seekonk district. The move, Schools Supt. Emile Chevrette has said, would save the school district money in the long run because it would eliminate costly tuition programs.

The School Committee will meet Monday at 7 p.m. at the high school to discuss potential cuts to its budget.

The Town Meeting warrant is available at Town Hall and on the town’s Web site, www.seekonk.info/town.

mwims@projo.com