Council begins first review of 2026 draft budget; Prouty Beach revenue and personnel costs highlighted

Mike, speaking for recreation and harbor operations, presented a first‑look draft of the city’s proposed budget. He told council the largest revenue increase shown was at Prouty Beach where eight new family‑cabin sites raised the line from $230,000 to $283,000 based on a conservative 50% occupancy estimate. Harbor gas‑sales revenue was also increased modestly.

On the expense side, Mike said the bulk of increases are salaries, insurance and utilities. He described several line‑item consolidations intended to make year‑to‑year comparisons using a new general‑ledger chart of accounts and said overall expense increases in his sections were roughly 8.2% compared with the prior year; other remarks during the meeting referenced an early overall budget estimate near 9%.

Council and members of the public asked for clarifications about specific lines (grants, gym rental, portelet costs, capital vs. operating classification). Carrie Schultz and Chip (finance) were asked to post the cross‑reference table showing how sections of the old charter/budget map to the proposed new accounts and to place budget documents on the city website for easier public review. Council emphasized this is a first reading; no budget adoption is planned until later in the winter and the council expects further review sessions and a public town meeting on the draft before any final vote.