CAPE ELIZABETH – Next week Cape Elizabeth residents will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed combined new fiscal year budget of $34.2 million when the Town Council holds a public hearing and final vote on the spending package.

The proposed municipal budget stands at $9.2 million and the school budget is at $23.2 million. Town Manager Mike McGovern said the budget now on the table represents a zero tax increase on the municipal side.

However, the school budget, which was approved by the School Board in mid-April, represents an increase in spending of 3 percent. That equates to a 49-cent increase on the tax rate per $1,000 of valuation, according to Superintendent Meredith Nadeau.

Part of the increase is due to the implementation of a full-day kindergarten program for all students. In addition, the school department has seen a decrease in its state aid for the new fiscal year.

Leading up to the public hearing on the budget, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 12, at Town Hall, McGovern said “there’s been very little (public) feedback on the budget this year.”

He said keeping the tax rate increase to a minimum, particularly on the municipal side of the budget, meets the goal set by the Town Council to keep the tax rate down but also to continue to make investments in providing good quality public services.

While the Town Council has the final say on the total amount of school spending, McGovern said he’s not heard any comments by councilors expressing concern about the school budget. But he also said, “the Town Council will do what it feels is appropriate” in terms of the overall spending.

Jessica Sullivan, the Town Council chairwoman, said this week that councilors want to hear from the public before making their final decision on the fiscal year 2014-2015 budget.

Going into next week’s public hearing and budget vote Sullivan said, “We have completed our municipal budget review and I don’t anticipate further changes as we are very pleased to propose a zero percent municipal tax increase.”

She added, “It’s safe to say that raising taxes for any reason is always of concern to councilors. As proposed, funding the schools will take approximately 72 percent of every fiscal year 2015 tax dollar.”

Sullivan said the council is also mindful of those on fixed incomes and always tries to bring in a budget that has the least impact on the tax rate.

“We work very hard to provide excellent public services and facilities for our citizens, with the least impact on tax dollars,” she said.

When considering the budget, Sullivan said, “It is (also) always important to remember that when taxes increase, citizens have to give up more of their own money, and this is especially difficult for those living on fixed incomes.”

In all, the town is expecting to receive about $6.3 million in non-property tax revenues, leaving nearly $27.9 million to be raised from taxes.

A CLOSER LOOK

The Cape Elizabeth Town Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on the proposed new fiscal year budget at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 12, at Town Hall.

A town-wide referendum on the $23.2 million school budget is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10.