NORTH ATTLEBORO - A tight $76.4 million budget that falls almost $1.4 million short of keeping all employees and keeping general expenses at 2008 levels was unanimously approved by selectmen.

Although state figures are not yet available, town bylaw requires that selectmen submit a preliminary budget to the finance committee by Jan. 15.

The board submitted a balanced budget Thursday that reflects conservative revenue estimates because of the downturn in the economy.

Now that the preliminary budget has been approved by selectmen, town department heads will be asked to make tough decisions about cuts in their own departments.

"We will be giving numbers to department heads, and they have a week to decide how much of the cuts will be absorbed in expenses, and how much will be absorbed in salary and wages," Town Administrator Mark Fisher said. "The department heads are in charge of the cuts." Right now, budget estimates include only a $141,000 increase over the current fiscal year. The figure is partly due a small decrease in collections for local receipts, which includes excise tax, and a large decrease in new growth - the amount of money hitting the tax rolls for the first time from new construction.

Meanwhile, the town's needs have grown. Fixed costs alone have risen by $ 1 million, including an $800,000 increase in health insurance costs.

Selectmen will continue to adjust the budget as additional figures become available.

Right now, state aid has been level-funded in the budget draft - with the exception of education aid. Once state budget figures are released, adjustments will be made.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to find more money," selectmen Chairman William Moffitt said.

AMY DeMELIA can be reached at 508-236-0334 or at ademelia@thesunchronicle.com.