ALFRED — York County residents have their chance to speak up about the proposed $19.7 million York County budget at a public hearing set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the York County government building, 149 Jordan Springs Road.
About $16.7 million of the $19.7 million budget proposal, or 84.74 percent, would be paid for by taxes from the county’s 29 municipalities.
As the budget proposal now stands, expenditures are up .75 percent over the current year.
York County’s coastal towns, like Wells, York, Biddeford, and the Kennebunks all have hefty state valuations; each pays more than $1 million in county tax, with York paying the most, at $2.2 million. Kittery’s share is projected at slightly less than $850,000, while Sanford’s share is projected at about $752,000, according to figures supplied by the county. The smaller, rural towns with small state valuations pay less, with Cornish projected to pay the least, at about $73,000.
Proposed for the fiscal year that commences July 1 is a $250,000 appropriation for the Layman Way Recovery Center that commissioners plan to establish in a vacant building on the grounds of York County Jail. In conjunction with York County Shelter Programs, the recovery center is proposed as a detox and residential rehabilitation center for pre-trial arrestees who are approved for the program. As well, the county proposes to use $200,000 from a reserve account towards the program.
Other budget features include a part-time administrative assistant at the District Attorney’s Office, and a half-time position in the maintenance department.
County Manager Greg Zinser said savings in health insurance and bond payment reduction amount to about $600,000 to $700,000.
The proposed budget also includes money for several new cruisers for the York County Sheriff’s Office.
The public hearing is hosted by the York County Budget Committee, committee members could take a vote at the conclusion of the hearing or at another time.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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