Bangor City Council to review $31.4 million school budget

BANGOR – The City Council at a Monday afternoon workshop will review the proposed $31.4 million school budget, up 7.3 percent from last year.

Combined with a proposed $32.7 million city budget and an increased county tax, the budget was expected to boost the tax rate 4.1 percent or 96 cents per $1,000 in property valuation.

With budget negotiations ongoing, however, the city has been able to trim its share of the tax rate increase by 3 cents, City Manager Edward Barrett said Friday.

Notable increases in the proposed school budget include a 9 percent, or $126,000 increase, in debt service, which reflects payments on the $4.5 million addition to Bangor High School.

Other major increases include anticipated jumps in the costs of electricity, fuel oil, gasoline and health insurance coverage.

The City Council workshop will begin at 5 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

Before Monday’s meeting the council will hold another budget workshop at noon Saturday, May 12. At that meeting, the council will discuss the proposed budgets for Bangor International Airport, Bass Park and the sewer fund.