FREEPORT

Freeport voters get their chance to sound off on the town’s proposed $10.1 million operating budget tonight.

The combined spending plans for the town, county and Regional School Unit 5 would result in an estimated increase of $0.58 per $1,000 of assessed property value. At $15.53 per $1,000 — a 3.87 percent increase from the current $14.95 per $1,000 — a tax bill for a property assessed at $200,000 would be $3,106.

The hearing is scheduled for today’s Town Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at town hall. Councilors are expected to consider adopting the budget at their June 19 meeting.

According to a budget overview by Town Manager Peter Joseph and Finance Director Jessica Maloy, the increase in the operating budget is largely offset by a $262,750 increase in non-property tax revenue. They cited a drop in revenue sharing as a challenge — a portion of sales and income taxes collected in the state that goes to municipalities. The town received as much as $700,000 in revenue sharing in 2008 and is projected to receive only $360,000 — which would be a $35,000 increase from the current year.

In 2017 the town attempted to curb its dependence on the fund balance, taking only $550,000, a $125,000 reduction from what it used 2016. While town officials had planned to continue decreasing use of fund balance, they propose dipping a little deeper again in 2019 and using $600,000 to help offset the tax impact.

Additionally, employee wage and step increases call for another $160,000. Health insurance and employee benefits increased $91,775. The Maine State Retirement System rates have increased for employers from 10.1 to 10.5 percent, but the town has offset the expense with a $200,000 increase in excise tax and a $50,000 increase in the state Business Equipment Tax Exemption reimbursement, as well as other revenue changes.

The council will also hear public comment on proposed parking ordinance amendments. The Traffic and Parking Committee worked on recommended safety and on-street parking improvements on South Freeport Road made by the South Freeport Congregational Church.

Changes relate to designating temporary ADA accessible parking during church worship services, special event parking for church events, and some wording updates.

Recommendations include on-street parallel parking safety enhancements to South Freeport Road as well as new signs to both South Freeport and Church roads restricting on-street parking to daytime and evening hours.