SEEKONK - Selectmen warned of dire financial consequences for the town if a teacher contract is ratified next week.

Chairman Robert Richardson announced at the beginning of Wednesday's meeting that should the school department approve pay raises the teachers' unions have requested, the financial impact "will be very dramatic."

A vote on the three-year contract is scheduled for Tuesday night. Should the teachers receive their requested salary increases, the town would be forced to give the same increases to all the town unions, Richardson claimed.

Town Administrator Michael Carroll is negotiating with the other unions, including public safety, library, and town hall employees.

If the teachers' raises are carried over to other employees, the result would be a severe shortfall in the town's budget, Richardson said. "We may have to make cuts," he said.

Selectman Michael Brady noted that the state's revenues were in a slowdown due to the struggling economy. As a result, the town will not get as much state aid this fiscal year.

Brady said it would "trouble me greatly" to have to cut personnel.

However, he vowed never to allow a question to be placed on a ballot calling for a Proposition 2 1/2 override to pay for the salary increases.

Richardson urged the public "to get off the couch" and attend Tuesday's school committee meeting.