Town attorney outlines paths to amend budget; council eyes restoring $65,636 for emergency services

The Town Attorney told the Lisbon Falls Town Council there are limited, charter‑specified ways to change an adopted budget and outlined two paths that apply to the council’s current needs.

Under one path the council may declare an emergency and make an emergency appropriation under the charter’s standard; the other path is a supplemental appropriation that requires the manager’s certification during the fiscal year that revenues available for appropriation exceed those estimated in the adopted budget. The attorney noted the normal ordinance process requires two readings at separate meetings at least seven days apart, with public hearing notice requirements depending on the chosen route.

Council members discussed options for timing. The chair and attorney sketched a schedule that could place a first reading on July 7 (with publication requirements) or advertise for a July 23 first reading and a second reading on July 7 of the new fiscal year, depending on notice deadlines. The clerk said digital notice could be posted quickly but the seven‑day newspaper publication requirement may constrain the earliest possible first reading.

The immediate fiscal question is funding Lisonbee Emergency and other small gaps in the budget. The chair said the majority of council prefers restoring $65,636 that had been cut for the emergency provider. Jim explained a math error in the adopted budget produced an anticipated $118,500 in excess revenue (a double‑counting issue) and that line‑item corrections leave roughly $33,137 that could be allocated; councilors discussed using those funds for contingency or allocations to the transfer station or capital.

Representing the emergency provider, John Corsos said his board "are not to sign a contract with the town of Lisbon until the full amount has been negotiated" (he referenced approximately $565,000) but added, "That being said, July 1, we're not gonna stop service." Corsos warned a protracted delay would hurt the provider if negotiations drag on for six to eight weeks.

What happens next: council asked staff to prepare an ordinance package and the required public notices. The council agreed in principle to proceed as quickly as allowed under the charter and to consider putting the $33,137 into contingency if dispatch or other uncertainties materialize.