The Bethel Board of Finance has signed off on a budget proposal higher than what the Selectmen proposed. The proposal calls for $45.1 million for the schools with $30.2 million on the municipal side. The plan includes paying for a $775,000 project through the operating budget, rather than the capital budget, which was reduced by the Board of Finance. 3.9 million for debt service and $500,000 for school maintenance is included. The overall budget proposal in Bethel is a 3.16 percent increase over the current year.