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Readfield Select Board reviews FY27 budget as ambulance capital and energy costs drive double‑digit increase
Summary
At its March 23 meeting the Readfield Select Board reviewed the draft FY27 budget, discussed a $135,000 ambulance capital line and volatile energy costs, and heard staff estimate a roughly 12.4% tax increase that could equal about $90 per household if adopted.
The Readfield Select Board reviewed a draft fiscal year 2027 budget on March 23 and flagged rising ambulance capital costs and unpredictable energy prices as the main drivers of a projected double‑digit tax increase.
Staff member Eric walked the board through packet changes and told members the Winthrop ambulance capital line is now listed at $135,000 — about a $60,000 increase over last year — and that the town has limited time in the budget cycle to change funding arrangements. “We’re in the unfortunate position of having to pay and then have to try to backtrack later,” Eric said, explaining the tight timeline facing small towns.
The board debated the formula used to allocate ambulance costs, with several members arguing that call‑volume weighting favors denser communities and leaves Readfield shouldering a disproportionate share. One member said the town’s portion should be reduced and shifted toward communities that receive the majority of service, naming Winthrop, Manchester and Monmouth as primary beneficiaries.
Eric also reported other adjustments: the RSU estimate was updated to about $4.7 million and nonprofit appropriations were reconciled (a net change of roughly $348). He said he set a working mill rate at 11.596 for planning purposes but warned energy and fuel lines are unpredictable. “I’m likely going to just increase every fuel and heating line by 50%,” Eric said, noting uncertainty about prices next year.
Board members discussed options for large capital and maintenance projects, including pausing paving if escalator clauses make bids unaffordable. Members observed that some bidders include fuel escalators that go both directions and said they would seek firms willing to hold prices or consider postponing work.
On aggregate figures, Eric said the town is looking at an approximate 12.4% increase driven largely by county and RSU increases, which he estimated would amount to about $90 per average household. The board discussed using reserves or spreading costs over time but emphasized the trade‑offs of deferring projects.
Next steps: staff will finalize line‑item reviews (including the transfer station) and the Select Board expects to vote on a final FY27 budget draft at its next meeting.
