Old Town City Council passes $20 million budget, voters approve school funds

OLD TOWN, Maine — Residents will see lower taxes this fiscal year in Old Town, after the city council approved its more than $20 million budget June 7. 

City councilors promised residents that taxes will be lower this year in Old Town after a difficult year caused by the global pandemic. The new budget is about $2 million higher than the 2021 fiscal year’s and is the priciest budget to date. 

But Old Town residents can expect to pay about $2,286 — a 5 percent decrease — in taxes this upcoming year, city Finance Director Danielle Berube said Thursday. 

During the council meeting Monday, City Manager Bill Mayo said overall revenues have been and will likely continue to be flat for the city. As part of the approved budget, the city will also enter into a $3.15 million bond to boost finances and pay for projects including paving and traffic lights. 

On Tuesday, voters from Alton, Bradley and Old Town also approved the Regional School Unit 34 budget. 

Only 82 people in total voted in the election with 71 approving the $21.36 million budget.