OLD TOWN – City officials now have the proposed city budget for fiscal year 2020 trimmed down to an increase of 3 percent, although City Manager Bill Mayo believes the final increase most likely will be less than that.

Last month, the city council got its first look at the proposed budget for the next fiscal year, which starts on July 1. That budget – which contained a ‘wish list” for several new positions – was up by $1.5 million, or 18 percent, an amount city officials said from the outset would not be sought.

Some assessments, such as those for the county, RSU 34, and health insurance, are out of the city’s control. But officials got the budget down to the 3 percent maximum increase councilors had indicated they would support primarily by taking two steps – removing all the proposed new positions, which cut $636,000, and taking $818,000 from capital reserves for equipment purchases.

The 3 percent figure assumes flat municipal revenue sharing from the state and no increase in valuation, both of which may change, said Mayo.

“I don’t believe we’ll be that high when the final numbers are in,” said Mayo.

A first reading of the proposed budget is planned for the June 3 city council meeting.