Proposed $12.1 million budget adds firefighters, tax collector in Lisbon

LISBON — Lisbon administrators are proposing the addition of two full-time firefighters and a tax collector to municipal staff.

Currently, the fire department has two full-time staff — the fire chief and one firefighter — and the financial director doubles as the town’s tax collector.

The addition of two full-time firefighters would cost the town about $186,612 in salary and benefits, and the tax collector would cost $110,150.

On Thursday, Finance Director Kayla Tierney presented the town administrator’s proposed budget to the Town Council. The $12.1 million spending plan would be a 10.8% increase, or $1,183,088 over the current $10.9 million municipal budget.

The town is eyeing a total 5% expense increase from the town’s debt service combined with the proposed school, municipal and county budgets.

Tierney said the exact tax impact is not yet known, but she expects the proposed budget would lead to an increase of about $1 per $1,000 of assessed value, or roughly $200 on a property valued at $200,000. The exact rate will depend on property valuations determined as of April 1 this year.

She attributed the largest increases in the municipal budget to “uncontrollable” costs primarily related to staffing and utilities. Health insurance rates will rise by 10%, overall property casualty insurance is up 15% and all staff will receive a 3% cost of living increase, Tierney said.

Wages and benefits make up about 62% of the total municipal budget.

The police and fire departments each show the greatest budget increases at $280,000 and $270,000 respectively, largely due to staffing and equipment.

On Saturday, the Town Council is expected to take a deeper look into line items and capital improvement plans with department heads.