Gorham Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak this week rolled out the town’s proposed $28 million municipal spending plan, up $2.9 million from the current budget.

The projected tax rate to support the municipal budget rises 29 cents per $1,000 of valuation, from $3.08 to $3.37, representing a 9.4% jump. So, taxes on a home assessed at $400,000 would rise $116 to support the town’s operation and services.

“Among the more significant factors affecting this budget are rising utility costs, in some cases, in excess of 30%, as well as higher fuel and health care costs,” Paraschak wrote in a cover letter to the Town Council. “The budget also reflects the continued need for the town to remain competitive in the municipal job market in order to recruit and retain qualified employees.”

The budget includes hiring a communications coordinator at $84,403; a public works foreman for half a year, a position that likely wouldn’t be filled until next year, for $38,263; a reduction in curbside trash collection revenue as the town moves from a bag system to a mechanical tote one in 2027; and a new $900,000 fire engine for Central Station.

The three most expensive departments to operate are fire/rescue at $3.3 million; police $2.8 million; and public works $2.7 million.

The Cumberland County tax assessment for Gorham jumps up 11.2%, or $191,506, to $1.9 million.

“Municipal budgets continue to become more complex as operating costs increase, and service demands remain high,” Paraschak wrote. “Without the hard work and dedication of our staff, this work would not be possible.”

The Gorham Town Council will hold a budget workshop from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 11. Councilors will have a joint workshop on April 28 with the school committee and the council will vote on both budgets on May 12.

The public will weigh in on a $61.7 million school budget in a referendum on June 9.

The entire proposed municipal budget can be viewed by visiting gorhammaine.gov.