V0ters at the annual Town Meeting tonight will have final say on the proposed $13 million budget to operate the town for the coming year.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Marshwood High School. Doors open at 5 p.m. for voter check-in.
The budget is 13% over this year’s budget of $11.4 million, largely due to the addition of a local ambulance service approved by voters last May.
The new emergency and ambulance staff, cross-training, and equipment increased the Fire Department expenses from $566,000 to $1.6 million. As of July 1, the Town will no longer pay $294,000 annually for contracted ambulance services.
The Police Department budget is up by $113,542 to $1.86 million, according to the proposed spending package.
Rising Town employee benefits and salaries also have added to the budget increase, according to Jennifer Janelle, assistant town manager and finance director. The town’s salaries and benefits rose by $611,950 to $2.48 million.
Information about the expense budget, revenue budget, and the annual Town Meeting warrant items are available at the Town Hall and on the Town website.
