BANGOR, Maine — The Penobscot County commissioners on Tuesday approved a nearly $16 million budget for next year.
About $12.76 million of that will be raised by taxes from county residents. The remainder will be raised by revenue, including income from communities that contract with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office for police coverage.
That is an increase of $389,691, or 3.15 percent over 2012, according to figures provided by the county treasurer’s office. Expenses increased by 3.09 percent, while revenue was up 2.55 percent.
The budget includes raises for employees and an increase in the cost of benefits, County Administrator Bill Collins said Wednesday.
The mill rate is expected to be set next month at 1.193, provided the valuation estimates do not change, Collins said.
The commissioners also decided Tuesday to hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, because Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on their regular meeting day this year.
Still firmly believe with only a million plus people in Maine.County government should get a strong look.Why do we need county government with communications and accessibility to state government now.Are we just duplicating services?Also can we combine those services.I would think our state reps and senators would be able to handle county needs.
The budget includes raises for employees and an increase in the cost of benefits, County Administrator Bill Collins said Wednesday.
Again with the raises?
Hear Hear!!
I’m thinking we should bring government back to the local level such as county & municipal. Augusta isn’t exactly known for being proficient & efficient in delivery of services. Maine is too large a land mass to use “one size fits all.”
If my numbers are correct, State of Maine government spends $4,500 per citizen to deliver services while County government only needs $104.
Now some would say the quantity of services may be in question here, but that’s still a very large discrepancy. I think you would find that the wasteful spending and abuse of social programs to be the large part of this.
Change can only happen if we make it happen.