Portland Mayor Michael Brennan called on city councilors Monday to consider their values – not “external negative forces” – as they embark upon this year’s budget process.

Brennan said the city’s commitment to public education, the environment, economic development and taking care of those in need will be tested in the coming weeks, as the city grapples with ways to close a $10 million budget gap.

“Ultimately the budget is a reflection of our values,” Brennan said. “The challenge I want to put to my colleagues on the council as well as the staff is I want us to make decisions based on the values we hold as being important in the city and not let external negative forces drive those decisions within the city.”

Brennan was reacting to Acting City Manager Sheila Hill-Christian’s proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 that eliminates nearly 24 positions, 15 of which are currently filled. An additional 12 firefighter positions could be eliminated if a federal grant is not renewed, but no layoffs are expected.

The cutbacks largely result from changes to the city’s General Assistance program and the assumption that the LePage administration will continue to withhold GA reimbursements for some immigrants, including those seeking political asylum.

The combined city and school budget proposed for next year totals $324.7 million. Property taxes would increase 2.9 percent to finance $278.2 million of the budget, while the remaining $46.5 million would be supported by fees. As proposed, the tax rate would increase to $20.58, increasing the annual tax bill on a house valued at $200,000 by $118 to $4,118.

Hill-Christian said Gov. Paul LePage’s policies are forcing the city to reconsider its role as a social service center for the entire state. She has budgeted $350,000 in transitional funds to help 400 families that will lose benefits. Another $90,000 in federal grants are proposed for private social service providers, who are expected to face an increase in demand.

Brennan supported many elements of the acting manager’s budget, including $100,000 to study sea level rise and the creation of a housing safety office, the $600,000 cost of which would be supported through fees assessed on landlords.

However, Brennan said he was “less supportive” of increasing city trash bags from $10 per 10-bag bundle to $13.50, and he encouraged the city to allocate some funding to the Portland Public Library, which is helping the city archive its documents.

The city and school budgets were referred to the Finance Committee, which will meet Thursday to begin budget discussions.

Brennan said the city will hold further meetings to educate residents about the budget. One forum is scheduled for April 28 at Deering High School. A survey will also be available for residents.

A formal public hearing will be held on May 4.

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