Bath city councilors will meet this evening to consider first passage of a $14.79 million municipal budget for fiscal year 2012-13.

The proposed budget of $14,787,678 reflects an increase of $674,096 over 2011- 12, and would contribute — along with increased city and school costs — to a 5.16 percent overall property tax increase, based upon a 1.97 percent increase in the municipal budget, a 0.52 percent increase ($85,826) in the city’s share of the Sagadahoc County budget and a 2.67 percent increase ($438,104) in Regional School Unit 1 costs.

At a public hearing held on May 23, residents and members of Bath Firefighters Local 1611 told the council that selling one of the city’s three ambulances — among a number of cost-saving measures included by the council in the draft 2012-13 budget — would increase the department’s response time and hinder the city’s ability to fulfill its mutual aid agreement with Brunswick.

Others said proposed cuts that would dissolve the city’s call — or volunteer — fire department were unacceptable.

The council also will consider approving first passage of the following capital expenditures including:

— A bond ordinance authorizing issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $302,000 to fund purchase of a police vehicle; repairs and replacement of a recreation track and tennis court surface; one public works truck; and a gas collection system at the landfill.

— A bond ordinance authorizing issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $651,500 for the purpose of funding Willow Street sanitary sewer and stormwater collection system modifications.

— A bond ordinance reallocating excess bond proceeds from previously issued bonds for the purpose of funding street paving, acquisition of a mini-excavator public works vehicle, fire turnout gear and a roof.

The council also will consider first passage of an ordinance that would extend a current moratorium on socalled Central Maine Power “smart meters.”

Among other items on tonight’s agenda, the council will:

— Hold a public hearing and consider approving a liquor license for Thanyalak Rejanichkul, doing business as Best Thai II Restaurant, 23 Elm St.

— Consider approving a proposed resolution authorizing up to $2.2 million of revenue obligation securities for a Hyde School project.

— Consider acceptance of weapons confiscated by Bath police and forfeited. According to a memo from Bath Police Chief Michael Field, the police department plans to sell the firearms to a licensed dealer for cash.

— Consider approving an order authorizing the sale of city-owned land at Butler Head to Lucy Stinson for $30,000.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

bbrogan@timesrecord.com

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