Staff Writer
A proposed $6.8 million budget for Aroostook County, which funds agencies such as the District Attorney’s office and the Sheriff’s Department, will ask for a 3.6 percent increase in the collection of taxes, according to the 2008 draft released last week. In addition, a $1.1 million spending plan for the county’s unorganized territories is asking for a 2.9 percent increase in taxes.
Both proposals will be presented during a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, at the Superior Courtroom on Sweden Street in Caribou.
“The system is such that we’ve got a pretty good handle on it,” said Duncan Beaten, chairman of the county’s Finance Committee, who has been involving in the budgeting process for 25 years.
The total amount of county budget expenditures are $6.8 million, an increase of less than 1 percent, according to the budget proposal. Revenues of $2.2 million are expected to be collected with a net amount to be collected in taxes from local municipalities of $4.5 million.
“This does not necessarily mean that your community’s share will increase by this amount,” the budget document said. “Your share will be determined by our 2008 state valuation.”
After the public hearing, the Finance Committee will consider approving the spending plans that evening, according to Beaton.
The largest item to impact the budget is the cost of gas, fuel oil and electricity, Beaton said. For example, the cost of electricity is projected to rise 25 percent for the Superior Court Building in Caribou, according to the budget proposal. The cost of fuel oil is expected to increase 45 percent. Wages are up slightly due to there being 53 pay periods next year instead of the usual 52, Beaton pointed out.
In addition, revenue generated by the county is expected to be down by 4.5 percent, or $2 million.
The unorganized territories’ budget of $1.1 million, which reflects a 6.1 increase in total expenditures, also will be aired during the public hearing. Expected revenues total $352,100, leaving $822,656 to be raised in taxes. Money from the budget fund activities such as snow removal, fire protection, ambulance coverage and cemeteries in the unorganized territories.
Copies of the budgets are available at the County Commission Office on Sweden Street in Caribou. In addition, each municipality will receive copies.
