Orono council adopts preliminary 2025 budget and levy, funds Orono Fire Department amid 4–1 split

The Orono City Council on Sept. 23 adopted its preliminary 2025 general fund budget — $11,993,000 in revenue and expenditures — and a preliminary tax levy that staff said keeps the city’s tax rate stable for 2025. The budget vote (resolution 75-08) and the levy vote (resolution 75-07) each passed 4–1, with Council Member Benson the lone dissent.

The budget package includes funding to bring additional territory and operations into the new Orono Fire Department and to equip the department. Finance Director Maggie told the council that property taxes make up about 58% of the general fund and that personnel services are the largest single expenditure. "Property taxes make up the majority of the budget at 58% of the revenue budget," Maggie said during her presentation. Staff noted the preliminary budget amount cannot be increased after tonight but may be reduced before final adoption in December.

Council Member Benson repeated her long-standing objection to budgeting for the Orono Fire Department at the proposed scale and asked for an independent study before committing the funds. "We're sitting at about 36% of our reserves right now," Benson said during debate about reserves and fiscal choices, arguing the city should study options and consider whether partnering with other cities could provide safe service at lower cost. Benson also cited historical reserve percentages from 2014–2023 to show reserves have varied and to justify a more cautious approach.

Mayor Deni Walsh and other supporters said the council has repeatedly discussed and documented the need for an in-house fire service and that bringing services in-house gives the city more control over costs and equipment. Walsh said the council has worked to fund services responsibly and emphasized the city is keeping the tax rate flat while allocating for roads, parks and public safety.

Public-safety items approved as part of or alongside the budget included conditional job offers for two part-time firefighters (Sam and Doug) at $20 per hour, effective Sept. 24, 2024, and acceptance of a firefighter resignation; that motion passed 4–1. The council also approved ordering a Brush Medical Response Utility vehicle (chassis $254,311; outfitting $151,720) for a total of $406,031 to be paid from the Fire Capital Fund and leased 5–7 years; that purchase passed 4–1.

The votes reflect a continuing split on the council over the size and cost of the Orono Fire Department: supporters argue in‑house control improves service and accountability; opponents argue the cost burden warrants independent study and consideration of alternatives. The council can still adjust spending down before the December budget adoption.

The meeting concluded with routine reports and reminders about community events, including a fire-department open house and homecoming activities.