WINDHAM – With no major program cuts or tax hikes, the $13.98 million municipal budget for Windham passed quickly and with no debate at Saturday’s annual town meeting.

The June 16 meeting drew about 25 people, mostly town employees and town councilors and their families, and lasted 12 minutes.

The first three minutes were spent electing Windham resident and business owner Jeff Vermette to act as moderator. Over the next minute, attendees said the Pledge of Allegiance and took a moment of silence for Windham residents past and present who served and died in military service.

Council Chairman Scott Hayman then introduced the Town Council, town manager, town attorney and town clerk, who were seated at the dais.

Vermette then thanked the council for “many, many hours that they have given in voluntary service to us this year. We might not all agree, but they have certainly given of themselves, above and beyond.”

Vermette also thanked Town Manager Tony Plante and Town Clerk Linda Morrell “for all the fine work they do on the town’s behalf all year long, a very warm thank-you to you. I know you don’t get thanked very often, and you should. You work hard, long hours and we appreciate what you do for us here.”

The last few minutes were spent voting on 17 warrant articles via a show of hands. The last 11 articles were voted en masse, shortening the meeting further. All votes were unanimous.

Prior to voting on the budget, Hayman explained that Windham’s 2013 operating budget of $13,981,631 was an increase of 1.4 percent over the year ending June 30. Hayman credited Assistant Town Manager Phyllis Moss for her oversight of the General Assistance account, through which the state requires towns to give aid to the poor.

Hayman said non-operating capital improvement expenditures are set to increase $217,000 to provide for needed building and road projects. Factoring in all sources of funding, Hayman said, the property tax levy would increase 2.1 percent under the new budget.