FARMINGTON — The Franklin County budget panel has set a series of meetings in May to review a proposed $5.8 million spending plan for 2015-16. It is an increase of more than $200,000 from the current budget.  

The meetings will be at 5 p.m. Wednesdays on May 6, May 13, May 20 and May 27 at the county courthouse. The latter two meetings are scheduled just in case they are needed, said Vickie Braley, county deputy clerk/deputy treasurer.

Commissioners reviewed each of the department budgets and program grant requests earlier this week.

The Budget Advisory Committee plans to call back Franklin County Adult & Community Education Program, Western Maine Community Action, Greater Franklin Development Corp., the Sheriff’s Office, communications, commissioners and information technology services.

There is a proposed 3.5 percent raise for nonunion county employees and commissioners. At least one union received at least a 3 percent increase, according to County Clerk Julie Magoon.

Commissioners have not weighed in on the raises for nonunion employees.

Magoon was asked to run some calculations of what the savings would be for lower raises compared to the 3.5 percent.

If the county went with a 2.5 percent raise, it would be a savings of $9,153 from the proposed 3.5 percent raise, Braley said, according to Magoon’s figures.

If they went with a 2 percent raise, it would be a savings of $13,730 from the 3.5 percent, she said.

The current budget is more than $100,000 over its state-mandated tax cap.

Commissioners and the budget panel are looking for ways to reduce the budget. The Budget Advisory Committee has the final say on the proposed budget.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

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