Manager outlines 2012 municipal budget

By Sarah Berthiaume
Special to the Pioneer Times
    HOULTON – A balanced $18 million municipal budget is in the works for 2012, according to Houlton Town Manager Doug Hazlett.
    In a brief presentation during Monday’s council meeting, Hazlett told the panel that revenues are expected to hit approximately $9.1 million in the coming fiscal year, while expenses should hang tight at $9.04 million.
    Despite its ominous-sounding title, “Surviving the Storm: Houlton and the Economic Downturn,” Hazlett’s budget presentation was more about setting priorities.
    The goal, he said, is to grow revenue while keeping property taxes stable.
    Roughly 55 percent of the budget is powered by property taxes. Houlton also funds itself through money received from the state, known as revenue sharing, and through excise taxes, taxes paid to register vehicles.
    “It really is all about revenue,” added Hazlett. “And focusing on those areas we have some control over.”
    One of those areas, economic development, will continue to be a priority in 2012. As of September 2011, permits for both residential and non-residential construction hit $8.3 million in value this year; that total includes both new construction and upgrades to existing facilities. Town officials hope that kind of growth continues to rise.
    “We’ve really done very well growing our tax base through economic development,” praised Hazlett.
    On the expense side of the ledger, Houlton has been keeping pace with the rate of inflation. Official figures say the municipal budget has increased about 1.6 percent each year, while continuing to fund “critical” investments in local streets and facilities.
    “More importantly, we’ve been able to maintain our current workforce and our current public safety standards,” added Hazlett.
    And while the 2012 budget is still in early stages, Hazlett has already defined some specific goals. Projects on the horizon include: investment in the near 20-year-old Public Works fleet, saving for new hockey boards at the Millar Civic Center and maintaining the North Street rest area once ownership reverts to the town. Traditional expenditures like roads, employee benefits, fuel and school costs will also be a factor in determining final totals.
    Councilors had no questions or comments on the presentation, but newly-elected chairman Paul Cleary expected that to change soon.
    “I’m sure before this whole process is over we’ll have plenty of questions,” he said.
    In other agenda items, the council:
    • Approved victualer’s licenses for Mac’s Convenience Stores (Circle K) at 3 Military St. and 246 North St.
    • Accepted a donation of sports equipment from F.A. Peabody Company to be used by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department.
    • Approved $500 from the South Portland Lions Club to be used for the town’s D.A.R.E program.
    The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m.