Council passes $9 million budget

by Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Town councilors passed the nearly $9 million budget Monday evening with no real surprises at the public hearing. The only real change in terms of money was reverting to last year’s SAD 29 budget of $2,204,803. The move pushed up the school budget nearly 3 percent from the Board of Budget Review’s recommendation. The review board had wanted to send a message of fiscal conservatism to the school board with a recommendation of $2,183,086.
    However, the councilors acknowledged that they are aware the town must accept the warrant from the school board and fund the amount they deliver to the town. The school board should begin its process on their soon. SAD 29 is on a fiscal year; Houlton is on a calendar year.  
    Although there were several discussions about whether or not to keep Roads 2000 fully funded at $267,000, the council left the recommended amount, equivalent to one mil, in the budget for road repairs. Among the points brought out was the change in the actual dollar amount equivalent to one mil.
    It has jumped, said Town Manager Doug Hazlett, “from a little over $100,000” when the ordinance was passed years ago, to more than twice that amount today due to the town’s valuation. Councilor Nancy Ketch said it may be time to review and revise the ordinance to avoid the continuing struggle over how to keep faith with voters.
    Saying he did not want to be a “lone soldier” in trimming the Roads 2000 budget, Councilor Paul Romanelli, suggested lesser amounts for funding the project.    Concerns over Augusta’s expected revenue-sharing cuts may mean tough choices for the town. Several councilors suggested taking a look at the budget at the halfway point in June for places to trim and avoid raising taxes.
    Houlton resident Phil Bernaiche suggested several wholesale budget cuts for various departments by reverting to last year’s funding without giving any rationale for his ideas other than “a savings.” Among his suggestions were cutting the police department budget by $30,000 and the public works department by $34,000.
    The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 8, 21 Water St., 6:30 p.m.