Last week the Town Council passed a general operating budget of $50,703,576 for fiscal year 2019, a roughly 4 percent increase from $49,146,338 in FY18.
The school department budget went from $19,341,310 for FY18 to $20,141,310 for FY 19, which begins on July 1.
Additionally, Enterprise Funds for the ferry service, Recreation Department, the rink, waterways and water and sewer are on top of the general operating budget. In FY18 the enterprise funds totaled $10,114,503. In FY19 the enterprise funds rose slightly to $10,995,730.
Finance Commission Vice Chair Jan Twobley gave a presentation of the budget. She said it was a challenging job given the turnover in the town manager’s office.
“We held more hearings than ever in the past,†she said, adding that the inclusion of enterprise funds brings the town’s financial picture to $61 million. She also said they do not yet have the state aid figures but she expects it to be below $11.6 million. Last year state aid came in at $10.9 million.
She said it was unfortunate they were not able to fund a town planner position, a police car, or a DPW truck. This year there is also no subsidy to operate the ferry service.
However, the Town Council was able to approve a new police cruiser, DPW truck, Fire Department turnout gear, a Bobcat for the School Department and Chrome books for the school. These items are all being funded from the FY18 Capital Stabilization Fund.
Councilor James Letterie explained that there were four amendments made to the budget, two from the Finance Commission, one moving the School Department fringe benefits to the town budget, and a second amendment to put back $30,000 to the Council Reserve budget. The two amendments from the Town Council included moving $10,000 to the Treasurer Department to add a .25 position in the office.
Councilor Mike Lucerto, in his first term on the council, said he’s disappointed in the town budget. He noted that many of the campaign issues of the last election – building a new fire station, fixing the infrastructure, and getting someone to be able to guide the town through development.
“Not a single one was addressed in this budget,†Lucerto said. “And at the same time the outlook for next year is worse.â€
Other discussions at the Town Council meeting last week, which let out at 11:15 p.m., included:
- Resident Suzanne Hitchcock, a member of Mothers Out Front, called on the council to create an ordinance banning plastic bags.
- A group of residents shared their opposition to the building of a new 250-foot pier and a 40-space parking lot on Deer Island.
- A location for a proposed dog park near the Fort Banks School and the cemetery was discussed.
- Town Manager David Cressman said two items have to be addressed before any center business district construction proceeds. First, an archeological survey of the area has to be completed. Second, there are some locations in the center that need to be monitored for hazardous material.