HALLOWELL (WGME) — Hallowell is in the midst of an ongoing dispute over property taxes and the city budget, with more than 200 residents calling on city leaders to make further cuts.

Hallowell City Council says property taxes are rising due to a recent surprise home reassessment, the termination of a state tax stabilization program and the new budget.

Significant cuts have already been made there.

“We have eliminated a one-ton snow plow, we have eliminated the position of parking coordinator,” said City Councilor Michael Frett.

ALSO READ:Maine establishes new “Office of New Americans” to support immigrants

Despite cuts of more than $260,000 in July, including in the pay of the city manager and aldermen, this budget still resulted in a property tax increase of nearly 20 percent.

The city also learned this year that it was charging too much tax to its residents under Maine law and had to reassess the value of residential property.

“It was a shock. I looked at my tax bill and thought, ‘Oh my God, that’s a huge increase and that’s hard to swallow,'” said Chris Boudreau of Hallowell.

Boudreau was one of more than 200 residents who signed a petition to the Hallowell City Council to reverse the approved tax increase and make further cuts.

“I don’t like seeing all these price increases, it’s like everyone, everyone is struggling,” said Mary Radsky of Hallowell.

On Monday, city councilors approved another $230,000 in cuts, including more than $75,000 for road paving.

ALSO READ:$12 million bond requires renovations at Gorham High School

This reduced the increase in property tax from about 20% to about 12%.

“It just takes a toll on heating, gas and food budgets,” Boudreau said.

The Hallowell City Council will vote on the final city budget at its August 22 meeting.

“Thank you for raising your concerns, and thank you for raising them with some civility and understanding of the work that goes into them. And I would also like to see them come up for a similar reason at the next meeting,” Frett said.

In addition, Hallowell Police Chief Chris Lewis recently resigned.

A department with five officers will soon become just three.

ALSO READ:Residents express concerns about impending closure of Mexican police

The City is concerned about the recent trend of job cuts and the ability to replace those positions.

“Every time Hallowell sends someone to the academy, our surrounding agencies actively court those people because they pay more money,” said Gary Lamb, Hallowell’s city manager.

As part of recent budget cuts, the city eliminated funding for body cameras and $33,000 in lease payments for a police station.

“It’s a very different situation here. It’s not just a rural community. Friday and Saturday nights after midnight when the bars close, you might need two or more people and we don’t have that,” Lamb said.

The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office will help protect the city while it is understaffed.