ROCKLAND — Rockland's proposed 2014 municipal budget of $10,674,576 shows an increase of $3,498 over this year's budget with what it intends for gross municipal expenditures. The static budget also reduces dependence on the city's undesignated fund balance of $139,601 (that safety cushion that municipalities rely on), which means it can grow, and subsequently relieve the need to borrow from the bank with tax anticipation notes.

“This budget looked carefully at our service levels and our ability to provide services both now and into the future,” said City Manager James Smith. “We have looked closely at all revenue sources to ensure that those consuming the services are paying their fair share, and that we are not needlessly going to property tax payers to support demands for services that are originating outside the community.”

After an opening comment from Rockland Mayor Will Clayton urging citizens to voice their concerns over the budget now and not after it is passed, the meeting was turned over to Smith who made the general presentation and highlighted the major points of the proposed budget.

Smith noted that debt incurred in 2012 with the public approval of a sewer bond and a bond for improvements to the Recreation Building, were all much needed improvements, but they came with a price. He also mentioned future capital improvement needs.

"Unfortunately, I am not at a point of confidence that I believe we have a firm grasp on these needs," said Smith. ‘However, we have scrutinized our vehicle replacement strategy, and based upon preliminary findings of four key criteria, we have determined that it is prudent to delay the expenditure or funding of these replacements until we are able to better analyze our assets and produce a need based assessment.”

Smith pointed out that with no clear direction yet coming from the Maine State Legislature on municipal revenue sharing and other funds traditionally dedicated for municipalities, that this year’s budget was based on last year’s figures.

“If Augusta breaks its historical commitments to the city of Rockland, we will be forced to rebalance the budget,” he said.

According to Smith, the budget lines that are cost drivers include:

* $24,000 mandatory increase to required contributions to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.

* $20,000 increase to property and liability insurance.

* $202,700 increase to debt payments.

Attempts to contain costs include:

* Elimating a vacant secretarial position at the police department, savings of $19,500.

* Eliminate a fulltime position at the recreation department, savings of $20,800.

* Reduce parttime library hours, saving $11,600.

* Efficiency upgrades at the library, saving $12,500.

* Restructure employee benefits, saving $28,000

Additional revenue is anticipated through:

* Increase in fees at code enforcement office, of $6,500.

* Increase in revenue from recreation programs, $25,000.

Stopgap measures:

* Delay funding replacement of police department vehicle, $28,000.

Delay funding of fire department building reserve, $14,300.

Budget hearings will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at Rockland City Hall, 207 Pleasant Street. The exception is Monday, May 13, which is dedicated for a regular City Council meeting and Monday, May 27, which is the Memorial Day. Budget hearings will begin at 6:30 p.m.