Lincoln County's Budget Advisory Committee finalized county budget recommendations for commissioners November 15 at a meeting that took less than 15 minutes. The result was a $10.2 million tax commitment for Lincoln County towns for 2013, a total increase of 1.24 percent over the current year. But that's not the final figure towns will have to pay, as other factors will cut it down some.

Lincoln County taxpayers won't know what they'll be asked to collectively pay until around April of next year, but the county budget to be finalized by commissioners is a good indicator.

The unknown factors in the county budget are department revenues, which could reduce the budget's impact to taxpayers, and staff salaries, which could increase it.

The Sheriff's Office is still negotiating employee pay, according to County Administrator John O'Connell. He said they are also not expecting “any great surges in grants” in 2013.

This year, towns were collectively asked to pay $8,385,316 and last year, $8,550,288. In 2013, that $10.2 million includes increases in the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office budget, decreases in some reserve accounts and a pay increase for non-union employees. 

Total recommended spending for 2013 in all county departments is $10,259,822. Estimated revenue ($1,316,325) cuts down the taxpayers' total share to $8,943,497. However, O'Connell stressed this not a final figure. Surplus, which could range between $300,000 and $400,00, could further reduce the impact to Lincoln County towns. 

Asked about the stability of total anticipated spending for departments, O'Connell said Lincoln County Recycling was “the squishiest,” remarking on the fluctuations in the recycling market. However, Supervisor Michael Tompson has been fairly optimistic, as some prices for recycled materials the department sells have increased. Anticipated spending among the remaining departments are “pretty solid,” O'Connell said.

O'Connell initiated a round of appreciative remarks among commissioners and committee members. “Having sat in your position many years ago,” he said to committee members, “I appreciate the effort you put in.”

With respect to the county budget, towns should expect to have to pay roughly the same as they did this year. The tax commitment among towns this year ranged from $58,480 (Somerville's share) to $1,275,455 (Bristol's share). 

John Maguire can be reached at 207-844-4634 or jmaguire@wiscassetnewspaper.com.