The Biddeford City Council this week gave initial approval to a $71 million municipal and school budget that will result in a small tax increase.

If approved without further changes, the budget will add 1.2 percent to the current property tax rate. The City Council is scheduled to take a second vote on the budget on May 15.

The budget approved by the council includes $32 million in municipal spending, $37.8 million to fund the schools and $1.3 million for the county government. Residents will vote on the school budget June 12.

The municipal budget eliminates two full-time positions, including one at the Public Works Department, and adds a full-time human resources position. The proposal maintains capital funding at $1.5 million.

The proposed budget would add 24 cents to the tax rate, which equates to an increase of $48.63 for a home valued at $221,900, the median home value in the city.

During a special meeting Tuesday, the council supported a motion by Councilor Michael Swanton to add $3,000 to the social services budget. The council did not support a motion by Councilor Marc Lessard to bump up the proposed tax rate increase from 1.2 percent to 1.9 percent to add to the contingency fund.

A public hearing also held Tuesday drew only a small number of residents, most of whom thanked councilors for funding the McArthur Public Library.

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