Budget debate is expected to start this week when the Gardiner City Council meets on Wednesday.

Before the debate starts, however, city elected officials will review budget requests from the Wastewater Treatment Department, as well as Tax Increment Finance district budgets. Councilors will be able ask questions during the presentation, and the public will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each presentation.

The public also will have a chance to comment on the budget on May 18, at a first public hearing on June 1 and at a second hearing on June 22.

As proposed, Gardiner’s $5.8 million budget includes funding to fix roads and would reduce the municipal portion of residents’ tax bills by 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value — both City Council priorities.

At Wednesday’s meeting, councilors also will hold a public hearing and consider submitting grant applications through the Community Development Block Grant program for economic development and workforce development on behalf of Central Maine Meats for a flash freeze and smoking facility, Sebago Lake Distillery for a distillery, and Common Wealth Poultry for workforce development.

Also, the Gardiner Farmer’s Market is applying for a special event permit for the market.

Councilors also will meet in executive session to discuss a credit enhancement agreement with Developers Collaborative for an affordable senior housing project.

The Gardiner City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the City Council chamber at 6 Church St.

Jessica Lowell — 621-5632

jlowell@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @JLowellKJ

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