Portland's Townwide Budget Will Increase About 2 Percent in Fiscal 2013-2014

Portland’s tax rate would increase by less than 1 mill next year under the proposed $30.9 million combined town and schools budget.

The 2013-2014 budget proposal includes a proposed $11.9 million town budget and a proposed $18.9 million schools budget.

Under the proposal town spending would decrease .39 percent in the next fiscal year. The current town budget is $11.99 million.

First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield said the general government budget decrease is a result of austere fiscal measures she implemented this year. For instance, she said, the amount the town will spend next year paying down its outstanding debts will decrease by nearly 8 percent because the town refinanced some of its long-term bonds at lower interest rates.

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The Board of Education budget was originally proposed at $19.1 million, but Bransfield said she cut 1 percent, or $184,000, from that request. The school budget increase now stands at 2.5 percent over this year’s $18.5 million education budget. 

Bransfield said the school board must decide where to make the cuts in its budget if the reduction is upheld by the Board of Selectmen.

The town will hold a public hearing on the townwide budget on Tuesay, March 12. Under the proposal the town’s tax rate would increase .62 mills to 31.35 mills.