Saco approved Fiscal Year 2023 budget

SACO — The City Council on Monday approved a $35.8 million Fiscal Year 2023 municipal budget and gave the second of three needed approvals for a $47.8 million school budget.

Monday night’s vote was the final approval on the $35.8 million municipal budget and the $1.3 million in county taxes. School budget approval is a three step process: now that it has received approval from the School Board and the City Council, the $47.8 million school budget will get sent to the voters for a city-wide vote at the polls on June 14.

Should residents pass the school budget in June, the mil rate is anticipated to decrease 53 cents, from 18.88 to 18.35.

The combined city and school budget would increase the tax levy by 5.2 percent.

City Councilor Marshal Archer said that with inflation high, around 8 percent, he was glad that the City Council was able to keep the increase at about 5 percent.

“I’m actually quite proud of this budget,” he said.

The suggested school budget received a last-minute increase of $200,000 through an amendment proposed by City Councilor Nathan Johnston. The money will be added onto a prior increase of $400,000, creating a fund of $600,000 to be used for capital improvements at Saco Middle School, replacing furniture that is over 40 years old, and painting and repairing walls.

Superintendent Jeremy Ray said he was “very thankful” for the Council’s support.

For more information on the city’s budget process and property tax due dates, go to city’s finance department website.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.