LISBON

The Lisbon Town Council will vote on a proposed $8.1 million municipal budget for 2017-18 — representing a 2.5 percent or $204,880 increase — at its 7 p.m. meeting tonight.

Despite the increase, the net impact to taxpayers is $40,908, which would increase the tax rate an estimated $0.08 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Based on the current assessed value of the town, the municipal, school and county budgets will raise the tax rate an estimated $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Included in the budget is $500,000 from the unassigned fund balance for items including:

• Computer server upgrade;

• Natural gas conversion at the Lisbon Falls fire station and library;

• High density storage for the town clerk;

• Radio equipment upgrades for police;

• A police cruiser and funds for a fire truck;

• A new floor for the ET Smith Hose Company;

• Public works trucks;

• Funding for a new MTM Center playground.

Town Manager Diane Barnes said total revenue has increased by $155,972 because the excise tax revenue has continued to increase. She plans for a jump in excise tax revenue because of new development at Kelly Park. New homes and apartment buildings under construction there will bring new people to town.

“Things are happening in Lisbon now,” Barnes said. “We’re on a roll and on the move.”

The council held a public hearing on the budget last week, but no one from the public spoke.

However, Barnes said this budget process was one of the best she’s been part of in municipal government, thanks to a collaborative approach. The proposed budget will allow the town to get a lot done with a minimal impact to the taxpayer.

“I think it’s very positive,” she said.

dmoore@timesrecord.com

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