Saco can rein in spending to avoid more tax increases

The Saco Citizens for Sensible Taxes recently held its regular monthly meeting with Superintendent of Schools Mike Pulsifer. Also in attendance were Mayor Don Pilon, City Councilors Kevin Roche, David Precourt and Betty Brunswick, and school board member Stan Mozden.

Pulsifer did an excellent job of explaining the new school budget and his efforts at reducing costs to achieve a no mil rate increase. He would still need to reduce another $600,000 to reach that goal. The current school budget, as presented to the city council, is at $32.8 million. We felt the budget process could be fruitful and a flat mil rate is still possible. The citizens of Saco can be proud of the mayor, city manager, councilors, school board and superintendent for their hours of hard work.

The group offered several recommendations to cut costs in the school budget: While it is too late for this budget year, we should negotiate contracts for one year instead of three to keep raises to 1 percent and contributions to health care at 20 percent (school would pay 80 percent). This alone would save around $700,000. We should also look at contracting out bus transportation. A move has already been made to utilize city technology department personnel to bring the school in line with modern technology, which will save money.

Additionally, we should combine fiscal departments of school and city. Pulsifer said this is a problem because they are using different software programs. We should also have the city responsible for maintenance of the school buildings.

Be sure to turn out to vote on the school budget on June 10.

The city budget, as of April 8, is around $22 million. The following list includes some department increases over last year: technology, 3.8 percent; fire and ambulance, 7 percent; police, 1.5 percent; building inspections, 2.3 percent; planning and economic development, 14.1 percent; public works, 4.5 percent; parks and recreation, 2.1 percent; employee benefits, 3.8 percent.

Capital improvement projects decreased by 47.6 percent: 2014 budget, $1,154,536; 2015 budget, $605,260. Holding a flat mil rate by using monies from capital improvements and the overlay accounts is what caused an 18 percent tax increase two years ago.

How can we really hold the line on the budget? Reduce overtime. In this new budget, it has increased by $3,590 from last year for a total of $764,595. Also, we should reduce the number of upper management positions within departments; and eliminate Christmas tree pickups, which would save $7,000.

We could save a considerable amount by freezing non-union pay increases and merit increases for a two-year period. Increase employee contributions for health care to 20 percent for city and school employees. Biddeford employees are already doing this. And finally, implement a hiring freeze.

SCST urges citizens to attend the June 2 city council hearing on the fiscal 2015 budget. The public can speak at this meeting. Let’s fill city hall like we did last year when we had more than 150 people in attendance. Stay vigilant and get involved. Saco is your city.

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