Town of Phippsburg 2012 Annual Report

2012 ANNUAL REPORT
Budget Committee Report
In looking back at the past year, I’m reminded of that famous Chinese curse: “May you live
in interesting times. While we are a long way from China, I’d say that from a budgetary standpoint,
Phippsburg has been living in interesting times, and they may not be over.
A year ago we were scrambling to cover an unexpected change in the RSU1 sharing formula
that dumped an additional $314,000 of taxes on our taxpayers. The cooperation of our town
departments to carve a little out of their budgets, and take a little more from surplus minimized
the impact of this increase on taxpayers.
After much contentious discussion over the last 9 months, a new funding formula was approved
by RSU1 voters in March. The result is the establishment of a more equitable formula
that will reduce the town’s share of the school budget by over $400,000 in the FY 2013-14.
Another “interesting” event from last year was the increase in county taxes caused by State
legislation passed two years ago that changed the funding formula between Lincoln and Sagadahoc
counties for the Two Bridges Jail. The $361,612 increase was phased in over two years,
with our share being $51,349.
The new events in our “interesting” times are driven by decisions in Augusta. Changes in
revenue sharing, and in what education costs the State will fund (versus RSU1) may result in
more costs being passed on to the town.
At the local level, we continue to see well thought out and appropriately frugal budgets by
town departments. We departed from the longstanding relationship with the Patten Library last
year. It remains to be seen if that relationship will be renewed, or a new relationship can be created
recognizing that Phippsburg’s situation is different than the other participating towns.
Funding is proposed to start saving up for a new boat launch on the New Meadows River to
meet the needs of the fishing and recreation communities. Voters should weigh in on this project
to assure it receives thorough review before we commit the funds a few years from now.
Finally, I wish to thank Mike Rice and Robin Barton for joining the Budget Committee this
year to give us the benefit of their experience in town during budget reviews. Also, many
thanks to Betsy, Bill, Ethan, and Kim for their continued participation on the committee to provide
year-to-year continuity.
Candidates Night 2012
Bill Murray, Paul Gamache (Budget Committee) ,
Bill Perkins (Budget Committee), Roger Hutchins,
and Robin Barton (Budget Committee)
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Gamache, Chair
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