HARRISON — Voters on Wednesday will weigh in on a proposed budget increase at the annual town meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Harrison Elementary School.
The proposed fiscal 2018 budget totals $6.79 million, $79,607 more than the current budget.
Municipal operations increased by nearly $12,000, for a total of $1.88 million. The town’s assessment to Cumberland County increased by $17,662 to $351,238.
Harrison’s contribution to School Administrative District 17 is projected to decrease by $194,000, for a total of $3.41 million.
Town Manager George “Bud” Finch said the final numbers for school aid from the state were still unknown.
Finch projected a worst-case scenario for the town’s mill rate, which is estimated to remain at the current level of $10.95 per $1,000 of assessed value.
“I am pleased we have once again brought forward a municipal operations budget, which is less than the budget when I arrived seven years ago,” Finch said in an email. “We have accomplished this through productivity improvements and cost avoidance while also improving the level of service we provide to the taxpayers.”
Budget increases include more firefighters and increased calls, completing the fence at the Transfer Station, a new employee for the Recreation Department, health insurance for the town’s new deputy, an increase in capital improvement spending and supplies for Public Works.
Voters on Wednesday will be asked to approve:
• $463,562 for administration, down $31,678.
• $560,429 for public works, up $20,703.
• $107,913 for Fire and Rescue, up $7,787.
• $235,241 for solid waste, up $3,674.
• $88,186 for parks, up $12,078.
• $112,675 for recreation, up $1,550.
• $44,250 for insurance, down $7,054.
• $194,033 for public safety, up $7,185.
• $75,250 for community services, down $2,300.
• $600,000 for capital roads, the same as last year.
• $350,000 for capital reserve, up $50,000.
A warrant article seeks to use $213,230 from the capital reserve fund to pay for the last payment of the pay loader, a new deputy vehicle, roof project at the Fire Station and various projects for the Transfer Station, parks, public works and the Town Office.
Voters will be asked to establish a legal reserve account with $25,000, along with using $756,536 in revenue to reduce taxes.
There is also an article asking for approval of state-mandated changes for the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance.
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