Committee OKs $31.2M York County budget | County Report
York County's budget committee has unanimously approved a $31.2 million spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, advancing the proposal to county commissioners for final ratification.
Following a public hearing on June 3 in Alfred that drew little public comment, the committee voted to transmit the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 to the York County Commissioners. While the overall budget reflects an increase of slightly more than 9%, the direct fiscal impact on the county's 29 municipalities is approximately $27.1 million—a hike of roughly $2.5 million from the current year. The remainder of the funding is covered by departmental revenues, investment earnings, rental income, and reserves.
According to York County Manager Greg Zinser, the spending plan comprehensively accounts for wages, benefits, and operational costs across all departments, including building operations for the new York County Regional Training Center and the York County Recovery Center. The construction costs for these facilities were covered through a combination of federal funds, grants, and county funds.
The budget shift will be felt differently across the region, with tax assessments varying by municipality. The town of York, which holds a state assessment of more than $8 billion, will pay $3.39 million in county tax—an increase of $168,273. Biddeford, assessed at $4.5 billion, faces the largest increase of $285,343, bringing its total to $2.1 million. Kennebunk, assessed at $5 billion, will pay $2 million (up $101,152), while Old Orchard Beach, assessed at over $3 billion, will pay $1.46 million (up $179,328). Smaller municipalities will also see adjustments: South Berwick will pay $537,798 (up $37,202), Lebanon will pay $488,107 (up $78,714), and Parsonsfield, assessed at more than $405 million, will pay $151,606 (up $21,392).
The timeline of the budget process drew some concern during the hearing. Dayton Select Board member Chris Belanger noted that the budget committee did not hold its first meeting until April 29, while his town was already required to sign warrants for its own budget by May 4. "What, if anything, can we do in the future to move things up so the process starts earlier for the counties so the towns can manage their budgets?" Belanger asked. Zinser explained that the process is driven by state statute, but noted that he communicates regularly with local managers and typically has an idea of the budget's direction by early April. He promised to reach out sooner in the future to give towns a head start.
To formally advance the measure, Committee member Jonathan Martell made a motion to transmit the budget, which was seconded by Vice Chair Susan Wiswell. The board's efforts did not go unnoticed by county leadership. Commissioner Richard Clark praised the committee's efficiency, stating, "I congratulate you on your efficiency and appreciate the effort you put in. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in. It is appreciated." Chair Marc Lessard echoed the sentiment, noting that this year's focus was less about the dollar amounts and more about streamlining the process for the future. York County commissioners are expected to officially ratify the budget at an upcoming meeting.
