WATERVILLE — City councilors Tuesday will consider final votes on a proposed $36.4 million municipal and school budget for 2013-14.

The proposed budget was trimmed from $37.7 million to $36.4 million after city and school officials learned last week that the city will receive about $548,000 less in state revenue sharing than it did last year. City officials now expect about $1.1 million, down from $1.6 million received last year.

Also, the schools expect to be required to spend $293,000 to help pay for part of teacher retirement costs, which they did not have to do last year.

The cuts reduce the proposed tax increase from $3.20 to $2 per $1,000 worth of valuation. The current tax rate is $25.65. If a $2 increase is approved, the tax rate would increase to $27.65. Someone who owns property worth $100,000 and now pays $2,565 a year in taxes would pay $2,765, or a $200 increase.

Some city councilors at a workshop last week said they support a $2 increase; others said they do not.

Meanwhile, Roy said Monday he thinks the council on Tuesday might take final votes on the proposed budget.

“I’m hopeful that they will reach consensus and take both the second and third votes,” he said.

City Manager Michael Roy said Monday that the proposed $37.7 million municipal and school budget was trimmed to $36.4 million by doing the following:

• Using another $400,000 from surplus

• Cutting public works by $200,000

• Cutting $250,000 slated for road paving

• Using $26,000 targeted for miscellaneous costs

• Using $293,000 from school surplus to fund teacher retirement.

In other matters Tuesday, councilors will consider accepting $100,000 from Colby College, to be given over a five-year period, to help repair Mayflower Hill Drive from where it crosses Messalonskee Stream to the intersection of Mt. Merici Avenue.

The vote also would authorize the Public Works Department to complete repair of the road this year up to a total project cost of $160,000.

Councilors also will consider entering into an agreement with New England Steam Corp., of Winterport, to investigate options for the restoration and protection of the city’s Old 470 steam locomotive.

The engine has deteriorated because of exposure to harsh weather, unsupervised visitors, vandals and thieves. Efforts to restore and preserve the engine have been unsuccessful.

The Charter Commission also will issue a preliminary report that includes no changes to the city’s ward and partisan election system.

The decision was based on public comments, according to commission co-chairman Ed Lachowicz in the report.

“Many voters and commissioners felt they lived in a distinct community of interest within the city and did not want to see the influence of the various communities of interest diluted through elimination of wards,” according to Lachowicz in the report. “Partisan elections remained unchanged, largely based on belief that voters should be provided with as much information about candidates for office as possible.”

The meeting will follow an executive session at 6:30 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations and consult with legal counsel.

Amy Calder — 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com