PARIS – Oxford County commissioners met with department heads and members of the Budget Committee in a public hearing Tuesday night about the proposed 2007 budget, which shows a nearly 29 percent increase.

The county’s projected expenditures for 2007 total almost $6.4 million, compared to $4.9 million for this year. Deducting revenues and credits, the amount to be raised by taxes would be a little more than $4 million, which is 9.6 percent more than in 2006.

The Emergency Management Agency made the biggest jump percentage-wise in projected spending, but most of the funds will come from grants and Maine Emergency Management Agency matches, said agency Director Scott Parker. Taking those into account, the increase to taxpayers would be 23 percent.

The agency is looking at higher costs because of technology and expansion, Parker said, adding he needs another full-time person in the office.

Also, technology received through grant money needs upkeep, Parker added, and the phone system needs to be kept up through annual fees.

All spending is matched through the Maine EMA, Parker said, so of all the funds approved by the county, taxpayers are responsible for half.

Jail

The jail is the biggest item on the budget because of the cost involved in housing and feeding prisoners, Sheriff Lloyd “Skip” Herrick said.

Criminal activity has increased, Herrick said, leading to extra costs at the jail. Also the building is old and needs repair.

Costs are up 10 percent from last year, Herrick said. According to the proposed budget, the increase is due to overcrowding and boarding expenses, academy training for new hires, equipment for the kitchen, computer software and a camera for the recreation yard.

The jail does produce some revenue, Herrick said. Two percent on every fine in court will come to the Sheriff’s Department for operation and function in the jail. Also, prisoners are able to purchase items in the jail’s commissary, which has limited use, Herrick said.

Sheriff

The Sheriff’s Office is looking at a 7.69 percent increase, however once grant funds and revenue are subtracted the numbers are lower, Herrick said.

An increase in crime is also affecting this department, Herrick said.

The department only needs to purchase five cruisers next year, as opposed to six this year, according to the proposed budget.

Increased costs include: fuel, uniforms and supplies for North and South substations, flooring for the deputies’ room, civil office’s operations, software and roll bar cages, control boxes and light bars.

Other items

Town officials are requesting funds for airports in Fryeburg and Bethel.

According to a memo from three Fryeburg selectmen, commissioners have provided funding for its airport in the past.

“Our goal is to increase business and recreational growth in towns throughout this area of the county and the airport is a vital tool in this quest,” the letter read.

Neither airport received funding in 2006.

Also, the town is requesting funds for the costs associated with the heavy use of the Saco River. As the river is mainly policed by Fryeburg police and rescue agencies, the town is asking for funds to help with trash, police and rescue.

“The state provides very little help in these areas, and because Fryeburg has its own police department the County Sheriff’s Office has provided minimal manpower to the patrol of the river,” the letter stated.

Commissioners expect to have further discussion about unorganized townships in the near future.