City Manager William Bridgeo says less money from the state, little earnings on investments and the need to keep city employee pay competitive all contribute to the proposed increase.

But not all Augusta city councilors agreed with the timing of the vote, nor the proposal to refinance existing debt to finance the overhaul.

Whether to bring the issue to voters in June or November is likely to be a big topic of discussion at the Thursday meeting.

Dean Lachance will join Catholic Charities of Maine in April.

A proposed excise tax change will be studied and then left for next Legislature to resolve.

The undeveloped parcel of land provides a wooded backdrop to Maine’s State House.

Sen. Doug Thomas, a Republican, said he was “insulted” that city officials say they believe Central Maine Power Co. is backing a bill to punish the city.

Voters at the Town Meeting also approved paying for maintenance of privately owned cemeteries.