NEWS | Biddeford’s county tax obligation increases

Under a recently approved budget plan, the city will see an increase of $285,343 for a total of $2.1 million in county tax obligations.

By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government Media

Following a June 3 public hearing that drew little public comment, the York County Budget Committee unanimously voted to approve a $31.2 million budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1

While the overall budget is up by slightly more than 9 percent, the fiscal impact to York County’s 29 municipalities is about $27.1 million, up by about $2.5 million from the current year, with the remainder coming from departmental revenues, investment earnings, rental income and reserves.

**THE YORK COUNTY BUDGET COMMITTEE** recently approved a $31.2 million spending plan for the next fiscal year. The committee (L-R) includes Lisa Pratt of Kennebunk, Glenn Dochtermann, Alfred; Chair Marc Lessard, Biddeford; Vice Chair Susan Wiswell, Kittery; Thomas Small, Shapleigh; Jonathan Martell, Sanford; Lisa Chase, Berwick; James Smith, Wells, and Thomas Hooper, Dayton. | *Contributed Photo*

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York County Manager Greg Zinser told the budget committee that the spending plan accounts for all wages, benefits and costs associated with each department and for building operation expenses for the newly constructed York County Regional Training Center and the York County Recovery Center – construction costs were paid with federal funds, grants and county funds.

York County Commissioners are expected to ratify the budget at an upcoming meeting.

Sample municipal obligations

Under the new spending plan, the city Biddeford (assessed at $4.5 billion by the state) will pay $2.1 million in county tax obligations, an increase of $285,343.

The town of York — which is assessed at more than $8 billion by the state — will pay $3.39 million in county tax, an increase $168,273 from the current year.

Kennebunk, assessed at $5 billion, will pay $2 million in county tax, up by $101,152.

Parsonsfield, assessed at more than $405 million, will pay $151,606, up by $21,392.

Old Orchard Beach, assessed by the state at more than $3 billion, will pay $1.46 million in county tax, up by $179,328.

For detailed information on the budget, visit yorkcountymaine.gov/finance

During the public hearing, Dayton Select Board member Chris Belanger noted the county budget committee had held its first meeting April 29, and that the Dayton select board was required to sign the warrants for their own budget for the coming year by May 4.

“What, if anything, can we do in the future to move things up so the process starts earlier for the counties so the towns can manage their budgets?” Belanger asked.

Budget Committee member Jonathan Martell said Sanford had a similar issue.

Zinser said the budget committee process is driven by state statute, but noted he communicates regularly with town and city managers and could give an estimate earlier in April.

“I’ll reach out next year,” he said. “I generally have an idea where were headed in early April and that’s when (the budget proposal) goes to county commissioners.”

Martell motioned that the budget be transmitted to county commissioners, and was seconded by vice chair Susan Wiswell.

Budget committee Chair Marc Lessard thanked the membership for their work.

“I know it takes a lot out of your schedule,” he said. “This year was less about actual (dollars) but making the process smoother next year and what to look out for.”

“I congratulate you on your efficiency and appreciate the effort you put in,” Commissioner Richard Clark told the budget board. “Thank you for all the time and effort you put in. It is appreciated.”

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